Arancini

Budiono

Content Writer

Dec. 2, 2024, 8:51 p.m. (2 weeks, 5 days)

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Italian-inspired rice fritters are a delightful snack or appetizer

Ingredients

Rice

Uncooked white or brown rice

1 1/3 cups (250 g)
Beef broth

Low-sodium beef broth

3 cups (3/4 l)
Eggs

Whole eggs for the rice mixture and egg wash

3 large eggs
Unsalted butter

Melted unsalted butter for flavor and moisture

2 tbsp. (30 g)
Parmigiano Reggiano Sheese

High-quality Parmesan cheese for the rice mixture

1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp. (40 g) grated
Mozzarella cheese

cheese for added flavor and texture

3 1/2 oz. (100 g)
All purpose flour

For dusting the rice balls before frying

3 1/2 oz. (100 g)
Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs for crunch and texture

1 3/4 cups plus 1 tbsp. (200 g)
Hazelnuts

Chopped hazelnuts for added flavor and crunch

3 1/2 oz. (100 g) crushed
Olive oil

For frying the rice fritters

as needed

In a large saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil over high heat.

Add the uncooked rice and simmer until cooked al dente, about 15 minutes.

Drain the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and transfer it to a large bowl.

Stir in 1 egg, melted butter, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Let the mixture cool.

Form the cooled rice mixture into balls (about Ping-Pong ball size).

Place a piece of smoked Scamorza or mozzarella cheese in the center of each rice ball.

In separate bowls, place the flour, breadcrumb-hazelnut mixture, and beaten eggs for coating the rice balls.

Coat the rice balls in flour, then dip them in the egg wash, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Heat 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) of olive oil in a heavy pot over moderately high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C).

Fry the rice fritters in batches, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the fried fritters to paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.

To ensure the fritters stay crispy, fry them in batches and don't overcrowd the pot.
Use high-quality ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for the best flavor.
Experiment with different types of cheese or add some diced ham or vegetables to the rice mixture for added flavor.