Authentic Arancini Recipe: Crispy Sicilian Rice Balls With Perfect Filling

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Ricotta is less expensive and still provides creaminess.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Pecorino offers similar flavor at a lower cost.

meat sauce

🥗Healthier: vegetable sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomato sauce

Canned sauce is budget-friendly and can be made vegetarian.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers are a cost-effective alternative.

Cook rice according to package instructions until tender.

Allow rice to cool completely in a large bowl.

Mix in mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and peas into the cooled rice.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, salt, and black pepper; whisk until smooth.

Add the egg mixture to the rice mixture and stir until well combined.

Take a small portion of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm.

Place a spoonful of meat sauce in the center and mold the rice around it to form a ball.

Roll the rice ball in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally coat it in bread crumbs.

Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering.

Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens