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Sicilian Rice Arancini

Golden-brown, crisp rice balls filled with creamy risotto, savory meat sauce, and optional peas, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 24 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Risotto Base
  • 2 cups Arborio rice or Carnaroli Essential for creamy texture.
  • 30 oz vegetable stock Provides moisture and flavor.
  • 4 oz white wine Enhances dish with acidity.
  • ½ tsp salt Crucial for flavor.
Fillings and Coatings
  • 1 cup meat sauce Adds savory depth to the rice balls.
  • 3 oz cooked peas Optional for added color and sweetness.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour Helps breadcrumbs stick.
  • 2 eggs beaten Adds richness and acts as adhesive.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Creates crispy outer layer.
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Enhances flavor.
  • 24 oz neutral oil For frying.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a pot, bring vegetable stock to a gentle simmer.
  2. In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add Arborio rice and toast for a couple of minutes.
  4. Blend in the white wine, stirring until absorbed.
  5. Gradually add the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the rice is creamy and slightly al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt.
Cooling and Shaping
  1. Spread the risotto in a broad dish to cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, fold the meat sauce and cooked peas into the risotto until evenly distributed.
  3. With wet hands, take about a golf ball-sized amount of the risotto mix and flatten it slightly.
  4. Place a teaspoon of extra filling in the center and mold the rice around it, rolling into a ball shape.
Coating and Frying
  1. Set out three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs.
  2. Roll each rice ball first in flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
  3. In a deep frying pan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  4. Fry the rice balls in batches, turning them until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Drain on paper towels.
Serving
  1. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

If you have leftovers, cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best eaten within 3 days. To reheat, pop in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.