The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Arancini – Fried Italian Rice Balls

5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Easy

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Description

Leftover risotto that is coated with Italian breadcrumbs, stuffed with cheese or meat, and fried. Dare I say more?

Ingredients

  • ½ cups Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 2 whole Eggs, Room Temperature, Beaten
  • ½ cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 cups Leftover, Cooked Risotto
  • 3 cups Vegetable Oil
  • ½ cups Italian Style Bread Crumbs, Seasoned

Preparation

Begin by adding the basil, eggs, and parmesan cheese to the risotto. Mix, and mix well. Yes, you will get a bit dirty, but that is the fun of cooking some times.

Preheat your oil on medium heat in a heavy fry pot. You want the temperature to be about 350 degrees when frying.

Add your breadcrumbs to a small casserole dish.

Next, run your hands under water, then begin rolling meatball-sized shapes of the mixture. Keep in mind that you can make these as small or as big as you want, just be mindful of the oil quantity when doing so. If you are stuffing the arancini, take your thumb and gently make an imprint in the middle. Stuff with your cheeses, ground meat, or vegetables, then form back into the meatball shape. Roll the ball into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.

Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Carefully drop the coated rice ball into the oil and fry, turning occasionally, roughly 4-6 minutes or until they are a golden brown. Remove and let them drain on paper towels before serving.

To plate, add them to a plate and eat them as is, or serve with a side of great marinara sauce. However you serve them, trust me, you will get that same level of excitement that my mom did years ago, but now you can make them right in your very own kitchen.

4 Comments

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sumnermichelle on 10.8.2010

These look delicious! Can’t wait to try them.

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amynb on 8.24.2010

These look delicious! My husband and I make rice pudding balls with leftover rice pudding in much the same way. Yum! I’ll have to remember to post that one. :)

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zina on 8.20.2010

Thank you for this recipe. I had these the first time at an Italian restaurant, served with marinara sauce and the centers filled with a dab of ground meat and peas. I must say they are heavenly at first bite. I can’t wait to make them at home!

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ibmzlorinsc01 on 8.19.2010

mmmm mmmm just the thing for my italian addiction

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terrilw on 1.7.2012

I’ve just discovered these delicious little things at our Italian restaurant. Even though I didn’t have all the proper ingredients, they turned out great. I used some leftover regular rice, dried basil and plain breadcrumbs. Because I didn’t have the seasoned breadcrumbs, I added some garlic powder and other Italian spices. I stuffed with mozarella, and they turned out so good. Definitely serve with marinara. I’m so excited that I can make these at home. Thanks for the recipe!

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