Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Arancini with Smoked Mozzarella and Basil

Arancini with Smoked Mozzarella and Basil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 1–1/2 cups arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs plus extra for coating the rice balls
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped basil
  • 1/4 pound smoked mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon until the rice is well coated and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Add the wine to the rice and cook, stirring, until most of the wine evaporates and then add a 4 to 6 ounce ladle of simmering broth and cook, stirring occasionally, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pot clean as you stir, until all the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Continue adding the broth a ladle at a time, stirring until the liquid is completely absorbed before adding more.
  4. After about 20 minutes begin to taste the rice. It is ready when it is tender and creamy, but still a little firm to the bite.
  5. Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese until well mixed. Remove the risotto from the heat and let cool.
  6. In a large bowl mix the risotto, eggs, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmagiano-Reggiano and basil.
  7. Spread extra breadcrumbs in a plate for coating. Take two tablespoons of rice in one hand, make a hole using your finger and stuff it with the 1 or 2 pieces of the smoked mozzarella cheese. Seal the hole and mold the rice into a ball about 2 inches in diameter. Roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure not to leave any spots uncovered.
  8. Place the ball on a tray and repeat with the remaining ingredients. It should make about 20 rice balls
  9. Line a tray with paper towels and pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy saucepan.
  10. Heat the oil to a temperature of 375°F and fry the arancini, a few at a time, turning until they are golden brown.
  11. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Serve while still warm.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins

Find it online: https://italianchef.com/arancini-smoked-mozzarella-basil/