Crispy Italian Rice Balls with Cheese Center
Crispy Italian Rice Balls, or Arancini, are delightful deep-fried treats that burst with flavor. Traditionally made from leftover risotto, these golden orbs are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, providing a deliciously cheesy surprise with every bite. Serve them alongside your favorite spaghetti or marinara sauce, enhanced with sweet green peas for a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a fun family dinner, these rice balls are sure to impress with their crispy exterior and savory interior.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long-grain rice
2 cups (uncooked)
Chicken broth
1 quart
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (softened)
Eggs
5 (separated)
Grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into 16 pieces)
Dried breadcrumbs
2 cups
Cooking oil
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the long-grain rice, chicken broth, and butter or margarine. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to blend the ingredients. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool, stir in the egg yolks and grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
2
In a separate small bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy; set aside. This will create a light coating for your rice balls.
3
To make the rice balls easier to handle, cover and freeze the rice mixture for about 15 minutes. After freezing, wet your hands to prevent sticking, and roll the rice mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Firmly press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball, sealing it tightly around the cheese to ensure the cheese does not escape during cooking.
4
Once shaped, roll each rice ball in the beaten egg whites to coat, then roll them in dried breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a heavy skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Working in batches, carefully fry 8 rice balls at a time for about 4-5 minutes, gently turning them to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Once golden, transfer the fried rice balls to a baking sheet and continue baking in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they are crispy throughout.
6
To serve, heat your favorite spaghetti or marinara sauce and add 3/4 to 1 cup of frozen green peas, cooking until peas are vibrant and warmed through. Plate the rice balls alongside the sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Italian Rice Balls?
Crispy Italian Rice Balls, also known as Arancini, are deep-fried treats made from rice and filled with a mozzarella cheese center.
What is the traditional name for Italian rice balls?
The traditional Italian name for these fried rice balls is Arancini.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice.
Can I use leftover risotto for Arancini?
Yes, Italian rice balls are traditionally made using leftover risotto.
What liquid is the rice cooked in?
The rice is cooked in 1 quart of chicken broth to add savory flavor.
How long should I simmer the rice?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
What ingredients are added to the rice after it cools?
Once the rice is slightly cool, you stir in egg yolks and 1 1/2 cups of grated parmesan cheese.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 eggs, which should be separated into yolks and whites.
Why do I need to freeze the rice mixture?
Freezing the rice mixture for about 15 minutes makes it easier to handle and shape into balls.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?
To prevent sticking, wet your hands before rolling the rice mixture into balls.
What size should the rice balls be?
The rice mixture should be rolled into balls approximately the size of a golf ball.
What type of cheese is used for the center?
8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 pieces, is used for the center of the balls.
How do I ensure the mozzarella cheese doesn't leak out?
Firmly press the rice around the cheese cube and seal it tightly to prevent the cheese from escaping during the cooking process.
What is the coating process for the rice balls?
Roll each ball in frothy egg whites and then in dried breadcrumbs until they are evenly covered.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dried breadcrumbs for the exterior coating.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I fry the rice balls?
Heat 1 cup of cooking oil in a heavy skillet and fry the balls for 4-5 minutes, turning them to ensure even browning.
How many rice balls should I fry at once?
It is recommended to work in batches, frying about 8 rice balls at a time.
Do I need to bake the rice balls after frying?
Yes, transfer the fried balls to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to ensure they are crispy throughout.
What sauce is recommended for serving?
Serve the rice balls with heated spaghetti or marinara sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the serving sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 3/4 to 1 cup of frozen green peas to the sauce.
Are these rice balls suitable for appetizers?
Yes, they are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or even a fun family dinner.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a golden, crispy exterior with a savory, cheesy interior.
How much butter is needed for the rice?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Yes, these are excellent party food and are sure to impress guests.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of grated parmesan cheese mixed into the rice.
What kind of broth can I use?
The recipe specifies chicken broth for the best flavor profile.
Can I serve these without sauce?
While they are delicious on their own, they are best served alongside a dipping sauce like marinara.
What tags define this recipe?
Key tags for this recipe include Italian, appetizer, fried rice balls, cheese, and comfort food.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, these rice balls are categorized as a comforting and savory dish.