Crispy Italian Rice Arancini
Crispy Italian Rice Arancini are delightful, golden-brown rice balls that harken back to traditional Italian celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. Perfect for New Year's and weddings, these flavorful bites consist of creamy, cheesy rice at their core, encased in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. Easy to prepare and serve as appetizers or snacks, these arancini pair beautifully with meats, seafood, or a tangy marinara dipping sauce, making them a staple at any festive gathering or cozy family meal. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors that will transport you to an Italian feast, one bite at a time!
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (whisked)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Dried Basil or Dried Parsley
1 tablespoon (dried)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Water
2 1/4 cups (for cooking rice)
Uncooked White Rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Dried Breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (for coating)
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
2 cups (for frying)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (in cubes (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil (or parsley), black pepper, and salt. Cover and refrigerate the mixture to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to chill.
2
In a large saucepan, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth (or substitute with water and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt). Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked white rice, cover the saucepan, and reduce the heat to low.
3
Cook the rice for about 15 to 17 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat.
4
Gradually incorporate the chilled egg mixture into the cooked rice, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution and to avoid scrambling the eggs. Let this rice mixture cool completely; refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5
Once cooled, pour dried breadcrumbs into a shallow dish for coating the rice balls.
6
Dampen your hands with water; with the rice mixture, form 1-inch balls. Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball, if desired, before sealing it back into a ball shape.
7
Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
8
In a small, deep skillet, heat enough oil (olive or vegetable) to reach a temperature of 350°F. Test the oil's readiness by dropping in a piece of the rice mixture; it should sizzle immediately.
9
Fry the rice balls in batches of 4 to 6, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
10
Remove the cooked arancini with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, either plain or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Italian Rice Arancini?
Arancini are delightful, golden-brown fried rice balls featuring a creamy, cheesy center and a crunchy breadcrumb exterior.
What is the cultural significance of Arancini?
In Italian tradition, these rice balls symbolize prosperity and wealth and are often served at weddings and New Year's celebrations.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of uncooked white rice, which provides the necessary starch for the balls to hold their shape.
Can I make Arancini vegetarian?
Yes, you can make them vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with water or vegetable broth.
Why do I need to chill the rice mixture?
Chilling the rice mixture for at least one hour allows it to firm up, making it much easier to form into balls without falling apart.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when adding them to the rice?
Gradually incorporate the egg mixture into the rice while stirring continuously, and ensure the rice has cooled slightly before mixing.
What is the ideal temperature for frying Arancini?
The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F to ensure the rice balls become golden brown and crispy without absorbing too much oil.
How can I test if the oil is ready without a thermometer?
You can drop a small piece of the rice mixture into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
What size should the rice balls be?
It is recommended to form the rice mixture into 1-inch balls for even cooking and the perfect snack size.
Is there a secret to forming the balls easily?
Dampening your hands with water before shaping the rice prevents the mixture from sticking to your palms.
What kind of cheese is inside these Arancini?
The mixture includes grated Parmesan cheese, and you can optionally press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The white rice should simmer for about 15 to 17 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
What herbs are best for flavoring the rice?
The recipe suggests using either dried basil or dried parsley to add a traditional Italian herbal note.
How many rice balls should I fry at once?
Fry the arancini in small batches of 4 to 6 to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even browning.
How long do they need to fry per batch?
Each batch typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes to become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
What should I serve with Arancini?
They pair beautifully with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, or as a side to meats and seafood.
Can I use something other than breadcrumbs for the coating?
While dried breadcrumbs are traditional for the crunch, some variations use Panko for extra crispiness.
How many calories are in a serving of Arancini?
There are approximately 67 calories per serving in this Arancini recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
How much protein is in these rice balls?
Each serving provides about 2 grams of protein.
Are these Arancini suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are considered a staple party food and are perfect as appetizers or snacks.
What kind of oil is best for frying Arancini?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil for frying these rice balls.
Do I need to use low-sodium chicken broth?
Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness, but you can use regular broth or water with added salt.
Can the Arancini be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the rice mixture or even shape the balls ahead of time before frying.
What is the best way to drain the oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Can I add meat to the center of the Arancini?
While this recipe is cheesy and vegetarian-friendly, many traditional versions include a ragu or meat filling.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are roughly 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though dried herbs are called for, you can substitute fresh herbs by using roughly three times the amount of fresh.
What texture should the center of the Arancini have?
The center should be creamy and soft, contrasting with the hard, crunchy outer shell.