Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of Arborio rice
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1/2 cup of diced ham or cooked ground beef
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. Remove the rice from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, peas, ham or beef, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the rice mixture cool for 10-15 minutes, then stir in the beaten eggs.
4. Using your hands, form the rice mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball and roll to enclose the cheese.
5. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely coated.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
7. Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 arancini
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 180
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
- Sodium: 327mg
- Total carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Arborio rice can be substituted with any short-grain rice.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese that melts well.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh or canned peas.
- Ham or beef can be substituted with cooked chicken or turkey.
Variations:
- Instead of ham or beef, try using cooked shrimp or crab meat.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as diced carrots or zucchini.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the rice mixture is completely cooled before adding the eggs, or they will cook and scramble.
- Wet your hands with water or oil to prevent the rice mixture from sticking to your hands when forming the balls.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and prevent the arancini from burning.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover arancini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the arancini on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the arancini on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Arancini pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the arancini are falling apart in the oil, try chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
- If the arancini are not crispy enough, make sure the oil is hot enough and fry them in smaller batches.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the arancini are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
- Arancini originated in Sicily and are traditionally made with leftover risotto.
Flavor profiles:
- Arancini are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a savory flavor from the rice, cheese, and meat.
Serving suggestions:
- Arancini are a great appetizer or snack, and can also be served as a main course with a side salad or vegetables.
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Region: Italian