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Arancini with Basmati Rice, Chicken, and Curry

26/11/2023

Certainly! Let’s remember that arancino is a classic Sicilian dish, typically prepared with risotto rice types like Carnaroli or Arborio. However, today I present to you an exotic variant that uses basmati rice, chicken, and curry to add a fusion touch to the dish.

Ingredients

  • 200 g basmati rice
  • 300 g chicken breast
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • Chicken broth to taste
  • 100 g frozen peas
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Flour to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • 50 g butter
  • Grated Parmesan to taste (optional)
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes (optional)

Preparation

  1. Begin by cooking the basmati rice in salted water following the instructions to obtain rice that is not too soft, as it will be fried later. Drain the rice and let it cool.

  2. While the rice is cooling, cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent.

  3. Add the chicken cubes and brown over medium heat. Season with curry, salt, and pepper, and then cook everything for about 10 minutes.

  4. Pour in a little chicken broth if necessary to prevent the mixture from drying out too much and add the peas. Continue cooking until the peas are tender and the chicken is cooked. Let the chicken mixture cool down.

  5. Beat the eggs in a bowl. Prepare two separate plates with flour and breadcrumbs.

  6. Take a handful of basmati rice, create a space in the center for the filling. Add a spoonful of the chicken and curry mixture, and if you like, add also a piece of mozzarella. Close the arancino forming a ball or a cone, making sure the filling is well sealed inside.

  7. Coat each arancino first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well covered.

  8. Fry the arancini in hot oil until they become golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.

  9. Serve the arancini hot and crispy.

The arancini with basmati rice, chicken, and curry are a delightful variation that merges Sicilian tradition with the exotic flavors of India. The basmati rice lends a unique texture and the addition of curry and chicken makes this dish an excellent candidate to surprise your guests with something different from the usual.