How to Easily Make Crispy, Cheesy Fried Rice Balls: Arancini

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

Start warming 4 cups of chicken broth over medium-low heat.

In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion and cook until softened.

If desired, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add 1 heaping cup of Arborio rice (about 200 grams) to the skillet and stir until moistened.

Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine and cook until evaporated, stirring constantly.

Gradually add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of warm chicken broth and stir until absorbed.

Repeat the process of adding broth until all is used, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes total.

Once cooked, the risotto should be creamy and al dente; remove from heat.

Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and salt to taste, adjusting for flavor.

Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for finishing and mix well.

Spread the risotto onto a baking sheet to cool quickly and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Prepare breading stations: crush 1.5 cups of plain panko bread crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.

Transfer crushed panko to a shallow dish and mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.

In another bowl, place 1/2 cup of flour.

In a separate bowl, crack 2 large eggs and whisk them well.

Cut 2.5 ounces of mozzarella cheese into half-inch squares.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens