Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (2023)

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Italian rice balls, also known as arancini are a delicious Sicilian dish. Arborio rice is cooked and stuffed, then coated and fried until perfectly crispy.

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (1)

Italian rice balls, also known as aracini are a versatile Italian dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish or main dish. Arancini di riso, as they are sometimes called, literally means little oranges of rice.

Arancini are typically stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese and are a deliciously crispy dish that is perfect for Sunday dinner.

These Italian rice balls are a great recipe that can be served with tortellini with alla panna sauce, mussels marinara with linguine or chicken penne alla vodka.

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  • 🍅 Ingredient notes
  • 📋 Substitutions and variations
  • 🔪 Step by step instructions
  • ⭐ Expert tips
  • ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions
  • 🍝 More Italian recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

🍅 Ingredient notes

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (2)
  • Rice - Arborio rice is the best rice for this arancini recipe. It is a short-grain rice that is typically used for risotto. This risotto rice is starchier and makes for a creamier filling in the Italian rice balls. Leftover risotto or leftover white rice can also be used in this recipe. You would need approximately 6 cups of cooked rice or risotto.
  • Meat - These Italian rice balls are filled with a reduced meat sauce or ragu made from ground beef. Ground pork or veal can also be used.
  • Sauce - I typically serve these stuffed arancini balls with my Italian gravy. Any marinara sauce or herbed tomato sauce can be used as well. They are great served on top of sauce or with it served on the side as a dip.

📋 Substitutions and variations

  • Vegetarian - Different fillings can be used in these Italian rice balls. A chunk of mozzarella cheese or sauteed fresh spinach mixed with shreddded mozzarella would also be great.

🔪 Step by step instructions

First, make the filling by sautéing the onions, carrots and celery in olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the ground beef to the mixture and cook a few minutes more until browned.

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (3)

Stir in the tomato puree and then let the mixture simmer over medium low heat. Continue to cook until it is slightly reduced down and thickened. Mix in the peas and then set the mixture aside to cool completely.

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (4)

While the filling is cooling, toast the arborio rice in olive oil in a saucepan. Mix in the chicken broth and then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer it, uncovered, until it is cooked to al dente. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet and allow it to cool completely.

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (5)

When the mixture is cooled, add the rice to a large bowl and mix in the eggs and parmesan cheese.

Take a handful of rice and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand, creating a well in the center. Spoon a small amount of the meat filling into the middle. Then wrap the rice mixture around it, forming a ball, with the filling inside and an even layer of rice surrounding it.

Set the stuffed balls aside on a sheet pan or plate lined with parchment paper and repeat with the remaining rice mixture.

(Video) How to Make SICILIAN ARANCINI Like an Italian

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (6)

Heat the vegetable oil to 350˚ in a pot large enough so there is just enough oil to cover the balls.

While the oil is heating, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl to be used for breading the arancini. Then, add the flour and breadcrumbs into two separate shallow dishes or plates.

Dip the balls of rice into the flour, then the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs so they are completely breaded on all sides. Place breaded rice balls on a clean plate or baking sheet.

Fry the risotto balls in the hot oil in batches, rolling them gently in the oil, for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the balls using a slotted spoon and allow them to drain on paper towels.

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (7)

If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in theGlossary of Cooking Terms and Definitionsfor more information.

⭐ Expert tips

  • Cook the rice until it is just al dente so it's cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This will help to make sure the rice balls don't get mushy.
  • Make sure to cool both the rice and the ragu completely so these Italian rice balls are easy to form.
  • Form smaller sized balls for use as an appetizer or side dish and larger sized balls for a main dish.
  • Don't overfill the rice balls or they may fall apart when frying. There should be an even coating of rice around the filling that is approximately ½ inch thick.
  • For best results, make sure to shake off any excess flour, egg or bread crumbs so the breading doesn't get too thick and fall apart.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan while frying or the temperature of the oil to drop. This will cause the arancini to sit in the oil too long and become overly greasy.
  • Fry the arancini until just golden brown so they don't break apart or burn.
Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (8)

⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions

Arancini rice balls can be made up to a day ahead of time. After frying them, let them cool completely and store them on a sheet pan wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For serving time, remove the plastic wrap and cook them in a 400˚ oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

The Italian rice balls can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap after cooling and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Frozen balls should be thawed completely in the refrigerator and then heated up as directed above.

🍝 More Italian recipes

If you loved this recipe for Italian rice balls, check out these other Italian recipes that I know you will love too!

Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me onFacebookandInstagramas well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

📖 Recipe

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (9)

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)

Amanda

Italian rice balls, also known as arancini are a delicious Sicilian dish. Arborio rice is cooked and stuffed, then coated and fried until perfectly crispy.

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Cooling Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 servings

Calories 701 kcal

(Video) How To Make Arancini Rice Balls - Italian Classic Recipe

Ingredients

Meat Ragu Filling

  • 2 Teaspoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup diced yellow onion
  • cup diced carrots
  • cup diced celery
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces ground beef or ground veal or pork
  • 14 ounces tomato puree
  • ½ cup frozen peas

Risotto Rice

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups arborio rice or short grain white rice
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 large eggs slightly beaten
  • 2 cups grated parmesan cheese

Assembly

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 1-2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Ragu Meat Filling

  • Heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and then add in the olive oil. Add in the onions, carrots and celery and season with the salt and pepper. Saute the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.

  • Add the ground beef to the vegetable mixture and cook, while breaking it up, for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.

  • Carefully pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine everything together. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the mixture simmer for 30-45 minutes until it has reduced and slightly thickened.

  • Stir in the frozen peas and set the sauce aside to cool completely in the refrigerator.

Risotto Rice

  • While the ragu is cooling, heat a saucepan over medium heat with the olive oil for the risotto rice.

  • Once the oil is hot and starts to shimmer in the pan, add the arborio rice and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned.

  • Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the rice simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked to al dente.

  • Spread the cooked rice into an even layer on a sheet pan and allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.

  • Once the rice has completely cooled, mix it in a large bowl with the beaten eggs and parmesan cheese.

    (Video) SICILIAN ARANCINI Recipe | Homemade Italian Rice Balls Recipe

Assembly

  • Take a small handful of the rice mixture in the palm of your hand and flatten it slightly, creating a well in the center.

  • Spoon a small amount of the cooled ragu filling into the middle of the rice. Wrap the rice around the filling, gently pressing it into a ball with the filling inside and thin layer of rice around it.

  • Place the formed ball onto a clean sheet pan that has been lined with parchment paper and repeat with the remaining rice mixture.

  • In a small bowl or shallow dish, whisk the four eggs. In two other separate dishes, place the flour and then the breadcrumbs.

  • In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium heat to 350˚.

  • While the oil is heating, take one of the formed rice balls and dip it in the flour mixture so it is completely coated and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the ball into the egg mixture so it is coated completely and let any excess liquid drip from it. Lastly, place the ball in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing it into all of the sides so the whole ball is breaded.

  • Place the breaded rice ball on a clean sheet pan and repeat the breading process with the remaining rice balls.

  • Working in batch, fry the arancini in the hot oil, for 2-4 minutes while gently rolling them around in the oil, until they are golden brown on all sides.

  • Remove the rice balls from the oil, using a slotted spoon and allow them to drain on a paper towel or cooling rack until the remaining balls have been fried.

  • Serve the arancini on top of marinara or with it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Recipe yields approximately 15-20 balls depending on size. Plan on 1-2 arancini per person, depending on the size and how it's served.

  • Smaller sized rice balls can be made for an appetizer or side dish and larger sized may be made for use as a main dish.
  • Cook the rice until just al dente so the rice balls don't get too mushy.
  • Cool the rice and the ragu completely so the balls are easier to form.
  • Don't overfill the rice balls or they might fall apart. Aim for an even coating of rice around the filling that is approximately ½ inch thick.
  • For best results, make sure to shake off any excess flour, egg or bread crumbs so the breading doesn't get too thick and fall apart.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when you are frying the balls or the temperature of the oil will drop and the arancini will get too greasy.
  • Fry the arancini until just golden brown so they don't break apart or burn.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Vegetarian - Instead of ragu, stuff the rice balls with a chunk of mozzarella cheese or sautéed fresh spinach mixed with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The rice balls can be made up to a day ahead of time. After frying them, let them cool completely and store them on a sheet pan wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve them, remove the plastic wrap and heat them up in a 400˚ oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

The rice balls can also be cooled completely and then individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Frozen balls should be thawed completely in the refrigerator and then heated up as directed above.

Nutrition

Serving: 2ballsCalories: 701kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 22gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 1074mgPotassium: 454mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 869IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 256mgIron: 5mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

(Video) Homemade Rice Balls ( Arancini ) Recipe - Laura Vitale - Laura in the Kitchen Episode 452

(Video) Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

FAQs

What are arancini balls made of? ›

What are arancini balls made of? That warm, gooey interior and crispy exterior of arancini balls is achieved by turning risotto into a ball shape, stuffing it with cheese, and then rolling it in a breadcrumb coating, before deep frying.

What's the difference between rice balls and arancini? ›

Differences. There are two main recipes of the fried rice balls: the Roman suppli, and the Sicilian arancino. The main difference between the fried rice balls is that suppli are made with arborio rice and mozzarella, while arancini are made with arborio rice, mozzarella, and the addition of beef and peas.

Why are rice balls called arancini? ›

In the Campania region, the arancino was first introduced into the Kingdom of Naples by the Aragones who called them, simply, palle di riso (rice balls). It seems that the term arancina was first coined in Sicily, where several regions and provinces claim to be the homeland of the dish.

What is usually in arancini? ›

Arancini di Riso, or Sicilian Rice Balls, are one of the most delicious dishes you can find in Sicily. Arancini are small deep-fried rice balls filled with meat sauce or mozzarella and prosciutto, round or conical in shape.

What do Italians eat with arancini? ›

What do you serve Arancini with?
  • Add Italian sauces to them, such as tomato Passata type. Arancini balls are lovely tiny morsels, and an excellent homemade sauce like this Tray-baked tomato. ...
  • Spinach wilted turn your arancini to the next level. ...
  • Salad with Parmigiano, the most common combination among Italians.

Are arancini high in calories? ›

Seemingly a little healthier, a large arancini ball clocks in at 150 calories and 10g of fat per serve, whilst a fried chicken wing contains at least 8g of fat and a single piece of fried calamari 50 calories and 4g of fat. Make a blanket rule to avoid pastry and you will do your body a massive favour.

How do you eat arancini balls? ›

Eat the arancini warm, or serve with a basic tomato sauce for dipping.

Do Italians eat arancini? ›

Today, with the increasing popularity of this finger food in modern Italian food culture, arancini are found all year round at most Sicilian food outlets, particularly in Palermo, Messina and Catania.

Is arancini good for you? ›

Arancini, for instance, come from the deep south of Italy: Sicily. Arancino literally means “small orange”. But don't be fooled, arancini are not that healthy, they are in fact deep-fried stuffed rice balls, coated with bread crumbs.

Can you eat arancini cold? ›

They're best reheated in a hot (400 F) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the exterior to get crispy again and the interior to get melty. However, you can eat them cold, too, if desired. Arancini can be frozen for a couple of months.

Are rice balls healthy for you? ›

Yes, onigiri can be a healthy and nutritious snack or meal. Onigiri is typically a Japanese-style rice ball, made from Japanese short-grained rice and usually wrapped in seaweed. It usually contains a filling, such as cooked salmon, tuna, pickled plum, or different types of meat and vegetables.

Why are rice balls triangular? ›

WHY THE TRIANGLE? Onigiris actually come in four different shapes but the triangle is the most common. Legend has it that travellers moulded rice balls into the shape of a mountain as a way of asking for protection from kami (spirits), which were believed by Shintoists to live within every element in nature.

Is arancini male or female? ›

In fact, according to the Italian grammar, the word arancina is feminine while arancino is masculine! Palermitans love to say “a' arancina fimmina è!” (the arancina is a lady!” – from Sicilian language). The origins of this typical Sicilian food isn't well-known.

What is Italy's most famous rice dish? ›

Although the risotto may be Italy's most famous rice dish, the country holds a plethora of rice recipes, both sweet and savoury.

How many calories are in 2 arancini? ›

Pizzaville Arancini (rice Balls) (2 balls) contains 28g total carbs, 28g net carbs, 8g fat, 5g protein, and 210 calories.

How many calories are in 2 arancini balls? ›

Counter - Tesco
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 2 balls (100g)
How many calories are in Arancini Balls? Amount of calories in Arancini Balls: Calories 273Calories from Fat 124.2 (45.5%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Arancini Balls? Amount of fat in Arancini Balls: Total Fat 13.8g-
15 more rows

Why is arancini popular in Italy? ›

In Palermo and Trapani, Sicily, arancini are a traditional food for the feast of Santa Lucia, 13 December, when bread and pasta are not eaten. This commemorates arrival of a grain supply ship on Santa Lucia's day in 1646, relieving a severe famine.

Do you eat rice balls hot or cold? ›

Do You Eat Onigiri Hot or Cold? Onigiri is typically eaten cold or at room temperature, but it can be quickly grilled and served hot (known as yaki onigiri).

Does arancini reheat well? ›

It's easy to reheat Sicilian rice balls that have been refrigerated. Simply set the arancini on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

How long do arancini balls keep? ›

It's best not to keep arancini leftovers in the fridge for any longer than two days, as they will begin to dry out. If you don't think you will enjoy your arancini within a few days of preparing them, it's best to freeze them right away, so they will be nice and fresh when you come to reheat them.

Why do Italians throw rice? ›

Rice is thrown at the couple coming out of the Church or wedding hall to symbolize a shower of fertility. According to a Sicilian wedding tradition, wheat was thrown instead of rice, the meaning is the same: a symbol of wealth and fertility. All guests approach and congratulate the newlyweds outside the wedding venue.

What is the English name for arancini? ›

The prestigious dictionary defines the word arancini as "rice balls" with "a savoury filling, covered with breadcrumbs and fried”.

What is the Italian stereotype food? ›

Italians love Pasta

It's the most common and understated Italian stereotype. Italians are known for their delicious cuisine, and pasta being the most famous one. Yes, Italians devour the pasta like nobody else. It's not uncommon for Nonnas to spend hours on end on a Sunday preparing a fresh pasta meal for the family.

What is the black thing on rice balls? ›

Nori (海苔) is a dried edible seaweed used in Japanese cuisine, made from species of the red algae genus Pyropia, including P. yezoensis and P. tenera. It has a strong and distinctive flavor, and is often used to wrap rolls of sushi or onigiri (rice balls).

Do you eat rice balls with hands? ›

Onigiri can be made with various mix-ins, fillings, and wrappers and come in many shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are made to be easily eaten with your hands.

When should I eat rice balls? ›

However, rice balls are enjoyed in all kinds of occasions: put into bento boxes eaten every day, eaten at picnics, dinners and can even be found easily at convenience stores. It is a food that has deeply rooted itself in Japanese food culture.

What is the original arancini? ›

Arancini (UK: /ˌærənˈtʃiːni/, US: /ˌɑːr-/, Italian: [aranˈtʃiːni], Sicilian: [aɾanˈtʃiːnɪ, -ˈdʒiː-]) are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. They are a staple of Sicilian cuisine.

Does arancini contain nuts? ›

Combine the pine nuts, mozzarella, fontina and parsley in a bowl; set aside. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the cooled rice, the parmesan and 2/3 cup breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into sixteen 1 1/2-inch balls.

What goes with arancini as a main meal? ›

But what do you serve with arancini balls? Good question and the answer is limitless. These deep fried risotto balls pair well with pretty much any Italian-based dish and depending on what's inside them you can serve with vegetables, salads, relish or pasta. Stick with classic Italian flavours and you can't go wrong.

Should arancini be served hot or cold? ›

Can you Eat Rice Balls Cold? Arancini are best served warm when they are creamy and cheesy in the center. They are just as good freshly cooked as they are reheated, especially when you reheat in the oven to re-crisp the exterior.

Can arancini be eaten cold? ›

You can absolutely eat these cold, however, I believe it's far superior when served up hot and with a side of tomato sauce. If you choose to eat arancini cold, I would obviously chill them after they are fried. Whether you enjoy it cold or hot, it's completely up to you.

What are the different types of arancini balls? ›

If you have a cheat day coming up, arancini are a great way to enjoy a moment of indulgence.
  • Neapolitan Arancini. Arancini Neopolitan. ...
  • Baked Arancini. Baked Arancini. ...
  • Sicilian Arancini. Arancini di Riso Sicilian Rice Balls. ...
  • Ham and Cheese Arancini. ...
  • Porcini Mushroom Arancini. ...
  • Arancini Patty Cakes. ...
  • Vegan Arancini.

How long do arancini balls keep in fridge? ›

Prepare and fry the Sicilian rice balls as indicated in the recipe. Transfer the fried arancini to a cooling rack and let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

What is another name for arancini? ›

Also called Sartù, Arancina, Supplì or rice frittata, the Arancino has been a part of traditional Southern Italian cuisine for several centuries.

Do you eat arancini with your hands? ›

If you want it extra-crispy, let it stay 2 minutes in the oven immediately after. Your Sicilian Arancini are ready to eat: use your hands to eat them like a local!

Can I freeze arancini balls? ›

Cook's tips: To get ahead, freeze the arancini after they're cooked. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 180C.

Is arancini a starter or main? ›

Arancini are normally served as antipasti but can also be served as a starter; they also make fantastic finger food at a party (just be sure to make them bite size).

Is risotto the same as arancini? ›

Arancini (pronounced “aran-chini”) are a Sicilian street food made of risotto that's rolled into a ball, stuffed, breaded, and gently fried.

Videos

1. How to Make Traditional ARANCINI | Italian Rice Ball Recipe
(Brooklyn Brothers Cooking - Papa P & Chef Dom)
2. Classic Arancini Di Riso (Risotto Rice Balls) | Gennaro Contaldo
(Jamie Oliver)
3. HOW to make SICILIAN ARANCINI - Italian Rice Balls
(Steve Owens)
4. Rice Balls (Arancini) with Chef Frank
(ProtoCooks with Chef Frank)
5. Sicilian Arancini using the ARANCINOTTO | Kitchen on the Cliff with Giovanna Bellia LaMarca
(Kitchen on the Cliff with Giovanna)
6. Rice Balls | Arancine | Arancini | How to make italian rice balls.
(Alessandras Food is Love)

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