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Arancini

Leftover risotto is great in arancini balls — little morsels of delicious crunchy-coated rice with gooey melting cheese hearts.

Prep Time

15 mins

plus chilling

Cook Time

15 mins

Serves

makes 16

Snacks & Starters

Italian

Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 cups cold risotto

100g/3 1/2 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 chunks

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups panko, crumbs or breadcrumbs

neutral oil, to fry

flaky sea salt, to sprinkle

finely grated parmesan, to sprinkle

Method

Put 1 tbsp risotto in the palm of one hand, poke a mozzarella chunk in the middle, add another ½-1 tbsp risotto on top to enclose and roll into a ball.

Repeat to use all risotto, then dip balls in beaten egg and roll in panko/breadcrumbs until well covered.

Arrange in a single layer on a lined tray, cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.

To cook, heat about 4cm/1½in oil (enough to allow the arancini to float slightly) in a heavy-based pot and cook in batches until they are golden all over and the mozzarella inside has melted.

Add more oil as required and don’t overcrowd the pot.

Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and parmesan and serve with dipping sauces, as desired.

OVEN-BAKED ARANCINI

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F fanbake and line an oven tray with baking paper.

Arrange arancini on the tray, spray or brush with oil or melted butter and bake until browned and crisp (20 minutes).

More finger food...

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