Description
Crispy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy inside, these Arancini Italian Rice Balls are stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto, then fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock
To Mix into Cooked Rice:
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
Filling:
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, chopped
- ½ cup prosciutto, chopped
For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large egg whites, beaten
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Sauté about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Arborio rice.
- Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook about 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove bay leaves. Transfer rice to a bowl and cool completely.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, whole egg, and egg yolk until combined.
Shape the Rice Balls:
7. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions.
8. Mix mozzarella and prosciutto in a small bowl.
9. With damp hands, flatten a portion of rice, add 1 teaspoon filling, and roll into a ball.
10. Repeat to form 12 balls. Place on greased tray.
Coat:
11. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg whites, then coat in bread crumbs.
12. Chill 30 minutes.
Fry:
13. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F.
14. Fry in batches for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
15. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Wet hands help prevent sticking when shaping.
- Chill before frying to prevent breaking apart.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Can be prepped ahead and fried just before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg