World Recipe: Sicilian Arancini

12 Ene World Recipe: Sicilian Arancini

Originating from the Italian island of Sicily, arancini are delicious fried balls made with rice dough, which can vary in shape and filling depending on the region.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 500 g round-grain rice
• 3 egg yolks
• 100 g grated pecorino cheese
• 30 g butter
• Salt
• White pepper
•  Saffron

For the filling:

• 200 g ground beef
• 75 g cooked peas
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 onion
• 100 g mozzarella cheese
• A splash of red wine
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

Others:

• 2 eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation:

• Cook the rice in boiling water using double the amount of water to rice, until the water is completely evaporated.
• Add a little saffron, the egg yolks to the rice, and mix.
• Incorporate the grated pecorino cheese and butter, mixing until a dough forms.
• Let the dough cool while preparing the filling.

• Peel and dice the onion, then sauté it in a pan with oil for 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef, sauté over high heat, add the wine, and let it evaporate.
• Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat.
• Add the peas and mozzarella cheese, and mix well.

• Take pieces of the rice dough, flatten them in your hand, add a bit of the pea and meat filling, and cover with more rice dough, sealing it like a croquette and shaping it into a pear or preferred shape.
• Beat the eggs and dip the balls in them, then coat with breadcrumbs.
• Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until golden brown on all sides.

• Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat, and they are ready to enjoy!