Arancini with arrabiata sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Arancini:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Arrabiata Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Arrabiata Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- If desired, stir in chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
2. Make the Arancini:
- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer.
- Add Arborio rice and cook according to package instructions until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Take a small portion of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the rice around it into a ball.
- Roll the rice ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Repeat with the remaining rice mixture and mozzarella cheese.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
3. Serve:
- Place the arancini on a serving platter.
- Serve hot with the arrabiata sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious arancini with arrabiata sauce!
This dish makes for a wonderful appetizer or main course and is sure to impress your family and friends with its flavorful combination of crispy rice balls and spicy tomato sauce.
