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Arancini with Cheese and Peppers

26/11/2023

Arancini with cheese and peppers are a delicious variation of the classic Sicilian arancini. Here is the recipe to prepare these tasty fried treats.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 500 ml of vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 100 g of melting cheese (such as mozzarella), cut into cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. In a pot, sauté the chopped onion in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Start adding the hot vegetable broth little by little, allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more. Continue to cook the rice, stirring constantly until it is al dente and creamy. This should take about 18 minutes.
  4. At the end of cooking, add the grated Parmesan cheese, adjust for salt and pepper, and mix well. Transfer the risotto to a tray and let it cool completely.
  5. While the risotto is cooling, proceed with preparing the filling. Briefly sauté the peppers in a pan with a drizzle of oil and salt until they are soft.
  6. Take a portion of the cooled risotto, form a small dome in your hand, and in the center place a piece of cheese and some pieces of bell pepper.
  7. Close the arancini forming a ball or a cone, making sure that the filling is completely sealed inside the rice.
  8. Dredge each arancino first in the beaten eggs and then in the breadcrumbs, to form a uniform coating.
  9. In a deep pan, heat plenty of oil and fry the arancini over medium-high heat until they are evenly golden brown.
  10. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the arancini with cheese and peppers hot, to best enjoy the melting cheese inside.

Curiosity

Arancini are a specialty of Sicilian cuisine, usually prepared with ragù, but there are endless variations that include different fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, and more gourmet variants with fish or special ingredients. The name “arancini” comes from their shape and color which resemble small oranges, thanks to the breading and frying.