Home

Arancini with Beer Risotto and Sausage

26/11/2023

The beer risotto and sausage arancini are a delicious and aromatic variant of the more classic Sicilian arancino. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 500 ml of light beer
  • 150 g of sausage
  • 50 g of finely chopped onion
  • 50 g of butter
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 g of mozzarella or sweet provola, cubed
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper as needed

Preparation

  1. Start by sautéing the chopped onion with half the butter in a large pot. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the crumbled sausage and let it brown well.

  2. Add the rice to the pot and let it toast for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

  3. Gradually pour in the beer, continuing to stir and allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more liquid. This step replaces the broth typically used for making risotto, and it’s essential that the rice cooks slowly in the beer.

  4. When the rice is almost completely cooked and has absorbed most of the beer, add the Parmesan, the remaining butter, adjust for salt and pepper, and stir until a creamy consistency is obtained. Let the risotto cool down.

  5. Once cooled, take some risotto and flatten it in your hand, place a cube of mozzarella or provola in the center, and close the risotto around the cheese, forming a ball.

  6. Coat the risotto balls first in the beaten eggs and then in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely covered.

  7. Heat the oil in a deep pan, and when it has reached the right temperature, fry the arancini until they become golden and crispy.

  8. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Curiosity

Arancini are one of the symbols of Sicilian cuisine, and their name comes from their shape and color, which resemble that of oranges. This beer and sausage variant is a more modern and bold reinterpretation, mixing the Italian risotto tradition with the use of beer in the preparation of savory dishes. Remember that the quality of the beer you use can influence the final taste of the dish, so choose it carefully!