How To Make Arancini Rice Balls - Italian Classic Recipe

mozzarella

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: cheddar

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while still providing creaminess.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated hard cheese

Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.

Add 1 cup of diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and golden.

Add 1 cup of finely diced ham and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Stir in 2 cups of dry white rice to coat in oil, then add 1 cup of dry white wine and boil down for about 2 minutes.

Add 5 cups of hot low sodium chicken broth and 1 teaspoon of salt, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-17 minutes until most liquid is absorbed.

Gently stir in 1 cup of thawed frozen peas, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Transfer the rice to a large casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.

Stir in 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Use a trigger release ice cream scoop to portion the rice, placing a half inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and rolling tightly into a ball.

Set up three shallow bowls: one with 1.5 cups of flour, one with 3 beaten large eggs, and one with 1.5 cups of dry Italian bread crumbs.

Dip each rice ball in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 inch of oil, ensuring it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding rice balls.

Cook rice balls in batches for about 3 minutes, turning halfway until golden brown.

Transfer to a paper towel lined platter and sprinkle with salt before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens