Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) (2023)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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 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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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).

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