15 Recipe For Italian Rice Balls Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Italian rice balls, also known as arancini, are a beloved dish in southern Italy. These crispy, savory treats are made with a base of risotto, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, and then deep-fried to perfection. They are a staple at family gatherings, street fairs, and even fancy restaurants. While the traditional recipe may seem intimidating, it is actually quite simple and can be easily recreated in your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to learn how to make the perfect arancini.
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal that will please the whole family, look no further than this Italian chicken and rice casserole. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy rice base, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your liking with your favorite Italian seasonings and cheeses.
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Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Ham, Pepperoni
Arancini, also known as Italian rice balls, are a classic Italian dish that originated in Sicily. These crispy and savory balls are made with leftover risotto, rolled into balls, and then fried to perfection. They can be served as a snack or appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried arancini, try these baked pesto zucchini arancini. Instead of using traditional rice, this recipe swaps in grated zucchini for a lighter and more nutritious option. The addition of pesto also adds a burst of flavor to these tasty little bites.
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Arancini, Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Arborio
Arancini are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple with traditional ingredients like risotto, cheese, and breadcrumbs, but feel free to get creative and add your own spin. You can even stuff the arancini with meat, vegetables, or other fillings for a heartier meal.
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Mushroom Arancini, Italian rice balls
Main Ingredients: Risotto, Fresh Mozzarella, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Eggs
If you're a fan of mushrooms, you'll love this recipe for mushroom arancini. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy rice and crispy exterior of the arancini. Serve these as a side dish or appetizer, or enjoy them as a vegetarian main course.
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Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Bread Crumbs, All Purpose Flour, Corn
If you have an air fryer, you have to try making arancini in it! This recipe utilizes the air fryer's ability to crisp food without the need for excess oil, making these arancini a healthier option. Plus, they come out perfectly crispy and golden brown every time.
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Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini (Italian Rice...
Main Ingredients: Cooked Barley, Shredded Mozzarella, Grated Parmesan
For a unique twist on traditional arancini, try this recipe for oven-baked spinach and barley arancini. The addition of barley adds a nutty and chewy texture to the arancini, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. These make for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal.
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Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella
For a classic and simple arancini recipe, try this one featuring marinara sauce. The tangy and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy arancini. This dish is perfect for a party or gathering, as it can be easily made in large batches.
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Italian Porcupine Balls
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Rice, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Italian porcupine balls, or polpettine di riso, are another variation of the classic arancini. These little "porcupines" are made with a mixture of rice, cheese, and meat, and are baked until crispy. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time.
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Pesto Arancini - Italian Street Food!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Medium Grain Rice
Pesto arancini are a must-try for any pesto lover. These flavorful and crispy balls are packed with the classic Italian sauce, giving them a vibrant green color and a burst of flavor. Serve them as a snack or appetizer, or enjoy them as a fun and delicious street food option.
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Italian Rice Ball Skillet
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Ground Beef, Sweet Italian
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of arancini, try this Italian rice ball skillet. This one-pot meal combines all the traditional ingredients of arancini, but in a convenient skillet form. It's a quick and easy meal that will satisfy your craving for Italian comfort food.
For a warm and comforting meal, try this Italian tortellini soup featuring arancini. This hearty soup combines the flavors of traditional Italian soup with the crispy and creamy texture of arancini. It's a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish.
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Classic Sicilian Arancini (Arancine di Riso)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Saffron, Water, Grated
For a taste of authentic Sicily, try making these classic Sicilian arancini. This recipe uses traditional ingredients like beef, peas, and saffron to create a rich and flavorful filling for the arancini. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for an authentic Italian experience.
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Italian Rice Casserole (Arancini Casserole)
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Long Grain White Rice, Kosher Salt, Italian
If you're craving arancini but don't have the time to roll and fry each individual ball, try this Italian rice casserole. It combines all the flavors of traditional arancini in a convenient and easy-to-make casserole form. Plus, it can be made ahead of time for a stress-free meal.
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Italian Sausage and Asparagus Risotto
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Rice
This Italian sausage and asparagus risotto is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish to your favorite protein. The addition of asparagus adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
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Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini with Spicy Marinara...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Medium
For a cheesy and indulgent twist on traditional arancini, try these mozzarella stuffed arancini with a spicy marinara sauce. The gooey and melty mozzarella pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the arancini, and the spicy marinara adds an extra kick of flavor.
For a fun and unique way to enjoy the flavors of arancini, try these Italian stuffed peppers. The filling is made with traditional arancini ingredients, but instead of being rolled into balls, it's stuffed into peppers and baked until tender. It's a delicious and creative way to enjoy this classic dish.
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Arancini - Rice Balls (or Best Dish With Risotto...
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs, Onion, Garlic, Tomato Paste
If you're a fan of risotto, you have to try these arancini rice balls. This recipe uses leftover risotto to create these tasty and addictive bites. They can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side dish to your favorite Italian meal.
For a classic and simple arancini recipe, try this one featuring marinara sauce. The tangy and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy arancini. This dish is perfect for a party or gathering, as it can be easily made in large batches.
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Easy Italian Rice – Love Every Minute!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tomato Sauce, Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
This easy Italian rice recipe is a great way to use up leftover risotto or to create a quick and delicious side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and creamy rice dish on the table in no time. Serve it alongside your favorite Italian dishes for a complete meal.
The Perfect Risotto Base
The key to any good arancini is a perfectly cooked risotto. Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened. Next, add a cup of arborio rice and stir until the grains are coated in oil and slightly toasted. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable broth, about 1 cup at a time, and stir constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until the rice is cooked through and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Adding the Filling
Once your risotto is ready, it's time to add the filling. While you can get creative with your filling options, the most traditional and popular choice is mozzarella cheese and peas. Simply mix in shredded mozzarella and cooked peas to the risotto and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle when forming the rice balls.
Rolling and Frying
Now comes the fun part - forming the rice balls! Take a handful of the risotto mixture and form it into a ball, about the size of a tennis ball. Make a small indentation in the center and add a small piece of mozzarella to create a gooey surprise in the middle. Roll the ball in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs, in that order. This will help to create a crispy coating on the outside. Repeat this process with the remaining risotto mixture.
Finally, it's time to fry the rice balls. Heat a large pot of oil to 350°F and carefully add the rice balls in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
