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Goat Cheese and Honey Arancini

26/11/2023

Of course! Arancino is a typical dish from Sicilian cuisine, a real delight characterized by rice and a melting heart. Traditionally, they are filled with ragù, peas, and mozzarella, but they can be customized with a variety of fillings. Here I propose a gourmet version with goat cheese and honey, a surprising mix of flavors where the sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the distinctive taste of goat cheese.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 50 g of butter
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • 1 liter of hot vegetable broth
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g of soft goat cheese
  • As needed multi-flower honey
  • As needed breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Begin by preparing a classic risotto. Sauté the finely chopped onion with half the butter until it’s translucent. Add the rice and toast for a few minutes, then deglaze with the white wine until it has completely evaporated.

  2. Gradually add the hot broth, continuing to stir until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, add the Parmesan, the remaining butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and let cool completely.

  3. Once the risotto has cooled, prepare small portions of rice by pressing them onto your hand. Place some goat cheese and a teaspoon of honey in the center of each portion, then close with more rice to form a ball.

  4. Beat the eggs in a bowl and prepare a plate with breadcrumbs. Dip the arancini first in egg and then in breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.

  5. Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan and, once the temperature is reached, fry the arancini until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so as not to lower the oil temperature too much.

  6. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Trivia

Arancini, whose name comes from their resemblance to small oranges (“arancini” indeed), have origins that are lost in the mists of time, with early mentions already during the Arab era in Sicily. The version I presented to you is a modern reinterpretation that plays with contrasts of flavors.

Serve them hot to best appreciate the creaminess of the goat cheese and the unique touch of honey. Enjoy your meal!