World Recipe: Sicilian Arancini

30 Jun World Recipe: Sicilian Arancini

Hailing from the Italian island of Sicily, arancini are delicious fried rice balls made with a rice dough, and depending on the region, they can vary in shape and filling.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

– 500g round grain rice

– 3 egg yolks

– 100g grated pecorino cheese

– 30g butter

– Salt

– White pepper

– Saffron

For the filling:

– 200g minced beef

– 75g cooked peas

– 4 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 onion

– 100g mozzarella cheese

– A splash of red wine

– Salt

– Black pepper

– Extra virgin olive oil

Others:

– 2 eggs

– Breadcrumbs

– Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1. Cook the rice in boiling water using twice as much water as rice until completely evaporated.
2. Add a bit of saffron, the egg yolks to the rice and mix.
3. Incorporate the grated pecorino cheese and butter, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Let the dough cool while preparing the filling.
5. Peel and dice the onion, and sauté it in a pan with olive oil for 5 minutes.
6. Add the minced beef, sauté over high heat, add the wine and let it evaporate.
7. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat.
8. Add the peas and mozzarella cheese, and mix well.
9. Take pieces of the rice dough, spread them on your hand, add some of the pea and beef filling, and cover with more rice dough, shaping it like a pear or your preferred shape.
10. Beat the eggs and dip the balls in them, then coat with breadcrumbs.
11. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
12. Remove onto kitchen paper to remove excess grease and ready to enjoy!