Italian-American Arancini Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes  

   Prep Time: 40 minutes

Italian-American Arancini Ingredients

Italian-American Arancini Instructions

  1. Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes until the grains are well coated and slightly translucent at the edges.
  4. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring, until the wine is mostly absorbed.
  5. Add the saffron threads, salt, and pepper to the rice. Begin adding the warm chicken stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
  7. While the rice cools, blanch the peas in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
  8. Once the rice is cool, beat one egg and mix it into the rice to help bind it.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, blanched peas, and finely diced prosciutto to make the filling.
  10. With damp hands, take a small handful of rice and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center, then mold the rice around the filling to form a ball about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining rice and filling.
  11. Set up a breading station: place the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the remaining egg in a second bowl, and place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  12. Roll each rice ball in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Place the coated arancini on a tray.
  13. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  14. Fry the arancini in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  15. Remove the arancini with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  16. Serve the arancini hot with warm San Marzano tomato sauce and garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Estimated Calories: 220, Servings: 6

Recommended Dishes

Arancini Pairings

When it comes to flavors that dance alongside arancini, you want something that can keep up with their crispy, cheesy energy. Think of a good, zesty tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and basil, or maybe a quick, tangy arrabbiata if you like a little heat. The best pairings are those that cut through the richness, so a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can be a delicious, easy way to brighten things up. If you are feeling adventurous, try a fast drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory twist that will make your taste buds do the tarantella.
Now, let us talk about sides, because every great arancini deserves a supporting cast. A healthy, crisp salad with peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a recipe for success, balancing out the golden, gooey goodness of the main event. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, are also a good choice for a quick and easy side that will not steal the spotlight. If you are in a hurry, a simple antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and a few slices of prosciutto is a fast way to make your meal feel like a festive Italian-American feast.
Of course, no Italian-American gathering is complete without a drink in hand. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling blood orange soda is a delicious and refreshing way to keep things lively. If you are in the mood for something a little more grown-up, a crisp, chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light, bubbly Prosecco is the best way to toast to your culinary prowess. And if you are feeling extra fancy, try a quick Aperol Spritz-easy to make, good for the soul, and guaranteed to make you feel like you are living your best life on a sunny piazza, even if you are just in your kitchen.

Arancini Story

When I first encountered this dish, my inner health guru nearly fainted. I have always been the type to seek out the best kale smoothie recipe or to brag about how many chia seeds I can fit into a single meal. So, when faced with something that did not exactly scream "healthy" or "green," I felt like I was betraying my own leafy values. It was a quick lesson in humility, as I realized that sometimes, the pursuit of a good time at the table can be just as important as the pursuit of a good cholesterol level. Who knew that my taste buds could be so easily swayed by something that was not a salad?
Culturally, I grew up in a household where rice was sacred and never, under any circumstances, to be tampered with. The idea of transforming it into something else was almost as scandalous as putting pineapple on pizza. My family believed in the great tradition of plain rice, and anything else was considered culinary blasphemy. Yet, here I was, gleefully breaking the rules and loving every bite. It was a delicious rebellion, and I could not help but laugh at how quickly I abandoned my rice purist roots for something so easy to enjoy.
Dietary restrictions have always been my trusty sidekick, guiding me through the wild world of food with a stern hand and a wagging finger. This dish, however, challenged me to loosen up and embrace the unexpected. It was a fast departure from my usual routine, and I found myself marveling at how much joy could come from letting go of rigid rules. In the end, I learned that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it means your inner nutritionist is giving you the side eye.

About Arancini Recipe

If you're searching for the best Italian-American Arancini recipe, you've just hit the jackpot! I've been making these tasty rice balls for years, and let me tell you, my family thinks I'm a kitchen wizard (even though I once set off the smoke alarm with a different recipe-oops). This homemade Arancini is the perfect blend of crispy outside and cheesy, savory inside. The ingredients are simple, and the process is surprisingly easy, even for someone who thinks "al dente" is a type of dance move. If you want to know how to make the most delicious, authentic Arancini, you're in the right place.
What I love about this recipe is how quick it is to throw together, especially if you have leftover risotto (or, let's be honest, if you just make extra rice on purpose). The best part? You don't need any fancy gadgets-just your hands, a bowl, and a little bit of patience. My top tips: use fresh ingredients, don't skimp on the cheese, and make sure your oil is hot enough for that perfect golden crunch. Trust me, once you try this easy and tasty Arancini, you'll be making it for every family gathering, potluck, or midnight snack attack.
If you're wondering how to make Arancini that tastes just like Nonna's (or at least as close as an amateur like me can get), this recipe is your new best friend. The combination of simple ingredients and a few quick steps means you'll have a plate of delicious, homemade Arancini in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a total newbie, these Italian-American rice balls are sure to impress. So grab your apron, follow my tips, and get ready to enjoy the perfect, authentic Arancini-just don't blame me if you eat the whole batch yourself!

Healthy Arancini Tips

If you're on a quest to make your favorite Italian-American Arancini recipe a health superstar, you're in for a treat-minus the guilt! Let's give this classic, delicious, and authentic dish a health-boosting makeover without sacrificing that tasty, homemade magic. First, swap out traditional white rice for brown rice or even quinoa to sneak in extra fiber and nutrients-your health will thank you, and your taste buds won't even notice the switch! For the best, easy, and quick results, try baking your Arancini instead of deep-frying; you'll still get that perfect crispy shell with a fraction of the oil, making your recipe lighter and your arteries happier. Use part-skim mozzarella and lean ground turkey or lentils as filling ingredients to keep things simple, healthy, and protein-packed. Don't forget to load up on veggies-spinach, peas, or even finely chopped carrots can be hidden inside for a health bonus that's as sneaky as it is delicious. With these tips, you'll master how to make the best, healthy Arancini recipe that's both authentic and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy Italian-American comfort food with a side of health-conscious flair!

Arancini Quick Mistake Fixes

If your arancini come out looking like they just lost a beauty contest, do not worry, you are not alone. Sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to a batch that is more "lumpy snowball" than "golden orb of deliciousness." A good trick is to make sure your hands are slightly damp when shaping, which helps keep things smooth and round. Remember, a great appearance is not just for Instagram, it is for that first "wow" when you bring them to the table. After all, we eat with our eyes first, and nobody wants to bite into something that looks like it was made during a quick earthquake drill.
Let us talk about the dreaded soggy arancini. You want a crisp, golden shell, not something that feels like it has been sitting in a puddle. If your batch turns out more limp than lively, it is usually because the oil was not hot enough or the rice mixture was too wet. The best arancini have a satisfying crunch that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar. For a fast fix, try draining them on a rack instead of paper towels, and do not crowd the pan. Soggy arancini are nobody's idea of a good time, unless you are secretly a fan of edible sponges.
Balancing flavors at the last minute can turn a bland arancini into a party in your mouth. If you taste one and it is missing that "wow" factor, do not panic. A quick sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon can work wonders. Sometimes, a healthy handful of fresh herbs or a fast grating of cheese is all it takes to make your arancini go from "meh" to "magnifico." The best part is, these easy tweaks are quick and do not require a culinary degree, just a little bit of courage and a great sense of adventure.