Sicilian Arancini

6 servings

60 minutes

Sicilian arancini are a fragrant treat from sunny Italy, made with special love. These crispy golden balls of tender Arborio rice infused with saffron hide a juicy meat filling inside, complemented by tomato sauce and Parmesan. Their crunchy breadcrumb coating and airy egg-based dough create the perfect balance of textures. Originally, arancini were a simple peasant dish but over time became a hallmark of Sicilian cuisine. They can be served as an appetizer or main dish and paired with savory sauces. The taste of arancini combines tenderness, richness, and a hint of spiciness, making them an essential treat on festive tables. Enjoy their warmth and the richness of Mediterranean aromas!

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 658.5
• Proteins: 22.2g
• Fats: 25.8g
• Carbohydrates: 88.7g

Ingredients

• Olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Onion: 0.5 head
• Carrot: 0.5 pc
• Celery stalk: 0.5 pc
• Ground beef: 85 g
• Tomato sauce: 200 g
• Minced pork: 85 g
• Tomato paste: 2 tsp
• Red onion: 1 head
• Arborio rice: 300 g
• Saffron: 0.3 tsp
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Wheat flour: 50 g
• Breadcrumbs: 300 g
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Vegetable oil: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Sauté chopped onion, carrot, and celery in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add both minced meats and lightly fry. Pour in the tomato sauce and paste and simmer for another forty minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Onion: 0.5 head
   • Carrot: 0.5 piece
   • Celery stalk: 0.5 piece
   • Ground beef: 85 g
   • Minced pork: 85 g
   • Tomato sauce: 200 g
   • Tomato paste: 2 teaspoons

2. Sauté chopped red onion in the remaining olive oil until soft. Add rice, stir, then add saffron and one and a half cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and remove from heat. After twenty minutes, stir in parmesan, salt, and pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Red onion: 1 head
   • Arborio rice: 300 g
   • Saffron: 0.3 teaspoon
   • Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

3. Mix flour, eggs, and half a glass of water. In a separate bowl, pour in the crumbs. Shape a tablespoon of rice into a round pancake, place a teaspoon of filling in the center, and mold it into a ball.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 50 g
   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Breadcrumbs: 300 g

4. Dip in the egg mixture and coat with crumbs. Shape the remaining arancini and refrigerate for twenty minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Breadcrumbs: 300 g

5. In a large skillet, heat the oil to 180 degrees. Fry until golden brown. Place on paper towels and cool.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil:  to taste