Ingredients

4 cups arborio rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 -4 garlic cloves , finely chopped
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 lb fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 lb prosciutto , thinly sliced , halved and folded into quarters
canola oil , for frying
marinara sauce
Arancini, also known as Italian rice balls, originated in Sicily and are a popular Italian dish today. The word “Arancini” comes from the Italian word for “little oranges,” which is fitting since these small rice balls resemble an orange in shape and color. Arancini can be found in many Italian restaurants or can be made at home with simple ingredients like rice, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The dish is traditionally served with a marinara sauce for dipping, and it’s no wonder why - the tomato sauce perfectly complements the crispy outer shell and velvety cheese filling of the Arancini.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring 8 cups of salted water to a boil. Add rice and cook until tender, about 18-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add rice and stir until coated. Remove from heat.
3.In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4.Fold the cooled rice mixture into the egg mixture until fully combined.
5.Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Take a small amount of rice mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place 1 cube of Mozzarella and 1 piece of prosciutto in the center of the rice mixture.
6.Cover the cheese and prosciutto with another small piece of rice mixture, and form into a ball about the size of a golf ball.
7.Dip each rice ball into the remaining beaten eggs to coat, and then roll it in breadcrumbs to completely coat. Repeat with remaining rice mixture.
8.Once the oil is hot, carefully add the rice balls in batches and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce.

PROS

Arancini With Marinara Sauce is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for sharing and entertaining.
These crispy fried rice balls filled with melted mozzarella and prosciutto will satisfy your hunger and taste buds!

CONS

While Arancini is delicious, it is a deep-fried food which can be high in calories and fat.
As with all deep-fried foods, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Arancini rice balls are made with Arborio rice which is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Arborio rice is also lower in fat and cholesterol than many other types of rice. The Buffalo mozzarella in Arancini contains fewer calories and fat than regular cheese. Prosciutto itself is high in protein, iron, and zinc, but may also be high in sodium depending on how it is prepared.

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