Crispy Sicilian Rice Balls (Arancini di Riso)

May 21, 2025

Golden and crunchy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside—these Sicilian arancini are filled with savory ragù and melty mozzarella. Perfect as appetizers or a hearty snack, they bring the bold flavors of southern Italy right to your table.

Crispy Sicilian Rice Balls (Arancini di Riso)

🍽️ Ingredients (Servings: 6–8)

For the Risotto Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1½ cups Arborio rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, warm
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ pound ground beef or pork
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup canned peas, drained
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces mozzarella, cubed

For Breading and Frying:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying

🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Make the Risotto:
🍚 In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2–3 minutes. Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed. Gradually add warm stock, stirring frequently, until the rice is al dente and creamy. Stir in Parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper. Let cool completely (ideally refrigerate for 1 hour or more).

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
🍅 In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in peas and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Let cool.

3️⃣ Form the Arancini:
🧀 With damp hands, take a handful of risotto and flatten it slightly. Place 1 teaspoon of meat filling and 1 cube of mozzarella in the center. Enclose the filling with more rice and roll into a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

4️⃣ Bread the Arancini:
🥚 Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a tray and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.

Crispy Sicilian Rice Balls (Arancini di Riso)

5️⃣ Fry to Perfection:
🔥 Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

6️⃣ Serve:
🌿 Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy on their own with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and more Parmesan.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Master Arancini di Riso:

💡 Helpful Tip:
If making ahead, form and bread the arancini, then freeze on a tray. When ready to serve, fry them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute to the cooking time.