Description
These arancini rice balls are a flavorful homemade delight that will impress guests and bring joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Basmati rice, U.S.-grown
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp. Flour
- 1 cup Whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/3 cup Flour
- 2 large Eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 3–4 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a saucepan. Add the finely chopped onions and salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Add the basmati rice to the onion mixture, stirring until the grains are evenly coated. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, cooking it while whisking until a roux forms. Gradually add room temperature milk, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a mixing bowl. Pour the béchamel sauce over the rice and mix until fully combined.
- Spread the rice mixture evenly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, scoop a handful of the rice mixture and flatten it into a disk. Place 1-2 mozzarella cubes in the center, fold the rice around the cheese, and shape it back into a ball.
- Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan until it reaches 350°F. Fry the arancini in batches of 3-4 for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the arancini to cool slightly and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chill the rice mixture for better shaping.
- Adjust frying time based on your stove’s heat level.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 60 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini rice ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Arancini Rice Balls, Italian Appetizer, Fried Rice Balls