Arancini balls are a popular Italian dish that is usually served as a snack or appetizer. These delicious balls are made of risotto rice that is rolled into balls, stuffed with cheese, and then deep-fried until crispy. Arancini balls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a fancy dinner party. This recipe is easy to follow and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make arancini balls, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano. Mix well and set aside to cool. Step 3: In a small bowl, beat the eggs together. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Step 4: Once the rice mixture has cooled, take a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Make a small indentation in the center of the ball and place a cube of mozzarella cheese inside. Cover the cheese with more rice mixture and roll the ball again to seal it. Step 5: Dip each ball into the beaten eggs and then coat with breadcrumbs. Step 6: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the arancini balls into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Step 7: Remove the balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Step 8: Serve the arancini balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Arancini balls are a delicious treat, but they are also high in calories and fat due to the deep-frying process. Each ball contains approximately 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. To make a healthier version of these balls, you can bake them instead of frying them. This will significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories in each ball.
Conclusion
Arancini balls are a perfect snack or appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make these delicious balls in no time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty snack, arancini balls are the perfect choice. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious they are?