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Arancini with basmati rice, curry, and vegetables

26/11/2023

Arancini are a typically Sicilian specialty that is usually made with arborio or carnaroli rice, but we can add an exotic and lighter touch by using basmati rice and spices such as curry. Here’s how to give an international twist to this classic of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of basmati rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of curry powder
  • Vegetable broth as needed
  • 100 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 carrot, cut into cubes
  • 1 zucchini, cut into cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • Flour as needed for breading
  • Breadcrumbs as needed for breading
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 g of mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes (optional)
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Cook the basmati rice following the instructions on the package, substituting water with vegetable broth to add flavor. Add the curry while the rice is cooking, so it absorbs the flavor of the spices.

  2. In the meantime, in a frying pan, sauté the chopped onion in two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then add the peas, carrots, and zucchini and cook until the vegetables are tender but still crunchy. Season with salt to taste.

  3. Once the rice is cooked and the vegetables are ready, combine the two preparations by mixing well so that the rice is evenly colored with the curry and seasoned with the vegetables.

  4. Let the mixture cool. Once cold, you can form the arancini by taking a handful of rice, placing some cubes of mozzarella in the center, and closing with more rice to form a ball or a cone.

  5. Bread the arancini by first coating them in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs.

  6. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

  7. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve them hot.

The arancini with basmati rice, curry, and vegetables are an excellent vegetarian variant with an international flavor of the more classic ragù arancino. They allow you to explore new flavors while maintaining the traditional base of this famous Sicilian street food.

Bon appétit!