Arancini, one of the most amazing foods, is said to have originated in Sicily during the 10th Century when Italy was under Arab rule, although others claim it originated from the Naples area. Either way…….it’s Italian for sure!!!
My Sicilian Grandmother was known for her “Rice Balls,” and lucky for us she taught us all how to make them! Even a few of her Great Grandchildren were blessed to have learned directly from her as she lived to be almost 100! We always had such fun cooking with Angie, and creating great family memories. To this day, my children and their cousins still make Rice Balls with their Grandparents.
The key to making Arancini successfully is all in the rice. You have to use sticky rice! I use Wegmans organic Jasmine Rice which comes out nice and sticky. My niece uses Rissoto with the same result.
There are many variations of fillings for Arancini. This time I mixed Mozzarella and Parmigiano cheese right in with the rice which helped the rice ball stick together, plus added some amazing cheesy deliciousness! I typically place a small amount of Bolognese sauce (chop meat sauce) in the center of the rice ball. The next variety I’d like to try is Arancini with Mozzarella, Parmigiano, Diced Pancetta, and peas. I often see peas in Italian Arancini but have yet to make them with peas!
To assemble the rice balls, you simply start with a small amount of rice in the palm of your hand, cupping it upward on the edges to create a little “pocket.” Add a small amount of Bolognese sauce, and top it with another scoop of rice using both of your hands to shape it into a ball. If you see sauce oozing out add a little more rice to that area and mold it into the ball. The process of creating the ball with your hands is similar to making meatballs, gently shaping the ball by pressing your hands inward so the rice sticks together.
Once the balls are formed, egg and bread them (I use Gluten Free Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs). Now you’re ready to fry! Many people use a deep fryer, but I use a saute pan because I don’t own a deep fryer. I find the outside of the ball is less crunchy this way, but in some ways easier to eat.
You can make these ahead of time up to this point if entertaining, then reheat later in a roasting pan covered with tinfoil. I like to serve Arancini as the first course of our Christmas Eve Dinner. I simply plate it on a bed of tomato sauce, then wait for the hmmmms and yums! Arancini are a real crowd pleaser! Now Mangia!
*You can find my recipe for Bolognese Sauce below the Arancini recipe
Arancini! Italian Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 8 Servings Prepared Sticky Rice of choice I always add Chicken Boullion, Salt and olive oil to my rice for added flavor
- 1 Cup Bolognese Sauce
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmigiano
- 4 Eggs lightly whisked
- 1-2 Cups Breadcrumbs I used Gluten Free Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor
- Oil as Needed for frying Depending on if you deep-frye them or fry them in a saute pan. I use olive oil
- Additional Bolognese for plating
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package instructions, let cool
- Mix in Mozzarella and Parmigiano Cheese
- Warm the Bolognese Sauce
- Scoop some rice into the palm of your hand, cupping the edges upward to create a little pocket
- Spoon a small amount of Bolognese Sauce into the center of the rice pocket
- Add another spoonful of rice on top of the sauce and gently form the rice into a ball as if you're making a meatball. Continue this process until you've used up all the rice.
- Dip the rice balls in the whisked eggs
- Dredge the rice balls in breadcrumbs. Continue until all the balls are coated in breadcrumbs before frying
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat, add oil of choice
- Brown the rice balls thoroughly on all sides. The rice balls can be made up to this point and then refrigerated until ready to reheat. Reheat in a roasting pan covered with aluminum foil. Or you can move right to plating them if not preparing them ahead.
- Spoon Bolognese sauce on the center of the plate, and top with the Arancini!
Bolognese Sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef, Pork, and Veal
- 1 ib Ground/Bulk Sweet Italian Sausage Use Hot if you want to give it a kick
- 7 Oz Mirepoix (Diced onion, celery and carrots)
- 4 Cloves Garlic Diced
- 4 48 oz Cans of Crushed Tomatoes I use Tuttorosso
- 2 48 oz Cans Tomato Sauce for a softer finish I use Tuttorosso
- 2 Tbs Chopped Basil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil
Instructions
- Heat a large stockpot on medium and add olive oil
- Saute Mirepoix 3-5 minutes until tender
- Add diced Garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes, adding salt and pepper as you go
- At this point, you can either add the meat with the veggies, or remove the veggies, brown the meat then add the veggies back
- Once the meat is browned and combined with the veggies, add the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Bring sauce to a boil
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer for several hours to cook down the acid in the crushed tomatoes.
- Taste your sauce to see if it needs more salt and pepper. About 15 minutes before serving add the chopped basil.
These Arancini are so good I ate all 4 servings this recipe makes. They’re almost a meal themselves! Pro tip, you can NEVER have too much sauce. 🙂
I agree with you on the sauce! I just added my recipe for Bolognese Sauce if you want to check it out!
These are the best!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!!
Fantastic! This was my first time ever making them, the recipe was easy and they turned out unbelievable! Thank you very much for sharing this recipe!