Toasted Pistachio-Cheese Arancini

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 0
Toasted Pistachio-Cheese Arancini Recipe
in Appetizer

Prep

40 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

90 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pinches red pepper flakes ( optional )
1 small onion , minced
1 1/2 cups arborio rice ( about 10 ounces )
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 pinch saffron thread , crumbled
salt
fresh ground black pepper
3 cups chicken stock or 3 cups low-sodium broth , warmed
3 tablespoons parmigiano-reggiano cheese , freshly grated
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons milk
1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , finely diced
1/4 cup chopped salted pistachios
2 tablespoons chopped salted pistachios
2 tablespoons frozen baby peas , thawed
2 large eggs , beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs ( Japanese bread crumbs )
vegetable oil , for frying

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
346
Sugar
1g
Fat
15g
Arancini is a traditional Italian dish - an irresistible appetizer, characterized by golden, crispy and flavorful croquettes made from Arborio rice, stuffed with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs. This specific recipe for Toasted Pistachio-Cheese Arancini takes the classic dish to a new level of flavor and texture, by adding the crunchiness of two types of pistachios. This recipe is perfect for dinner parties, or anytime snacking with friends.

Instructions

1.In a large skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
2.Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and the onion, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3.Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and becomes opaque, about 5 minutes.
4.Pour in the wine and saffron and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the wine is almost completely absorbed.
5.Add 1 cup of the warmed chicken stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until the stock is almost completely absorbed.
6.Continue to add the remaining stock, 1 cup at a time, until the rice is cooked through and the mixture is creamy, about 25 minutes total.
7.Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheese and 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
8.Spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.
9.In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, 2 tablespoons pistachios, nutmeg, and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and bring to a simmer over low heat.
10.Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes.
11.Strain the milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Set aside.
12.Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
13.In a medium bowl, combine the rice mixture, diced mozzarella, 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, and peas.
14.Using your hands, form the mixture into 2-inch balls.
15.Dip the balls in the beaten eggs to coat, then roll in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
16.In a large skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the arancini in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes per batch.
17.Transfer the arancini to the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes, until heated through.
18.Drizzle the milk mixture over the arancini just before serving, and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios if desired.

PROS

The combination of the tangy cheese, crunchy pistachios and creamy risotto hits all the right notes in flavor and texture.
These deep-fried, Italian rice balls are a delicious appetizer recipe or snack.

CONS

This appetizer is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming to make so prepare to spend some time in the kitchen.
Also, frying can add unnecessary calories, so enjoy this dish in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The cheese provides a good source of protein and is rich in calcium and vitamins. Pistachios are nutrient-dense and can aid in weight loss by curbing cravings and providing satiety. Arborio rice is a good source of carbohydrates and provides sustained energy.

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