Arancini is a food which is fried or baked and is made by using rice balls, coated with breadcrumbs and it is stuffed with meat sauce, mozzarella, tomato sauce or peas. The delicacy derives its name from its shape and its color, which is an Italian word for little oranges. After frying the stuffed rice balls, then the arancini appears orange in color, is crispy from outside but soggy from inside, and is cheesy in texture.
Arancine has come from Sicily since the 10th century and is generally served in Sicilian cafes.
The basic ingredients required for preparing arancini recipe are Arborio rice, white wine, chicken stock, green peas, ham, salt and pepper. Cheese, beaten eggs, milk and cubes of mozzarella cheese are also required. In heated oil, onions and garlic are added, cooked and stirred until the onions become soft without turning brown. The rice is poured, cooked and stirred for about 2 minutes then the wine and chicken stock are added and stirred until the liquid evaporates.
After the liquid has evaporated, the peas and ham is added, stirred and is seasoned with salt and pepper. The saucepan is removed from heat and grated cheese is stirred with other ingredients. The risotto is transferred in a bowl and is kept aside for cooling. The beaten egg is stirred in risotto and in a small bowl, the remaining egg and milk is whisked together with a fork. The risotto is rolled into a ball and a cube of mozzarella cheese is pressed in centre and is rolled so that it is enclosed. Then it is lightly coated with flour, is dipped in the milk mixture and is rolled in breadcrumbs for a coating. In a large saucepan or in a deep fryer, the refined oil is heated and the balls are fried in small batches so that it turns golden in color. After frying arancini, the balls are kept in paper towel so that extra oil is absorbed.
Many variations can be brought about in arancini dish’s filling such as it can be stuffed with shrimp, cooked ham, ragout, mushroom, peas, meat, stewed meat and mozzarella cheese. Before frying, the balls can be frozen so that when it is fried it is crispier from outside.
Arancini should be served hot with tossed salads or with some sauces and dips. It can be served as lunch, snacks or dinner and is garnished with orange leaves from top.
Arancini is a cuisine, which is highly nutritious as it is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, Vitamin A, C, calcium, iron and fats. It also contains cholesterol, which is not good for people suffering from hypertension and heart disorders. As this delicacy is deep-fried, so people should consume it occasionally and in smaller amounts. People suffering from obesity and those who are health conscious should avoid consuming the dish arancini.