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Arancini with Hummus and Grilled Vegetables

26/11/2023

Arancini are a Sicilian specialty, known to be stuffed rice croquettes. In the version you asked for, we will make vegetarian arancini with a filling based on hummus and grilled vegetables. It will be a fine combination of Mediterranean flavors and Italian tradition.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of risotto rice (Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano)
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 200 g of hummus (already prepared or homemade)
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 small eggplant
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • 2 eggs
  • Flour as needed for breading

Preparation

  1. Start with preparing the rice: sauté the chopped onion in a bit of extra virgin olive oil, add the rice and toast it for a few minutes. Then gradually pour in the hot vegetable broth, cooking the rice until it has a creamy and al dente consistency. Add the Parmesan cheese, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and let it cool completely.
  2. In the meantime, cut the vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper) into slices or cubes and grill them until they are soft and lightly charred. You can season the vegetables with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. When the rice has cooled down, take a portion of rice and flatten it on your hand. Put a spoonful of hummus and some grilled vegetables in the middle, then close with more rice, forming a ball or a cone (depending on tradition and your preference).
  4. Coat the arancini first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and fry the arancini until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
  6. Drain the arancini on paper towels and serve them hot.

Curiosity

The word “arancino”, which is masculine in Sicilian, comes from the shape and color that resemble those of a small orange. In some parts of Sicily, they are called “arancine”, switching to feminine. They are a versatile dish that can be stuffed in many ways, but this interpretation with hummus and grilled vegetables is certainly an example of how tradition can meet new and modern flavors.

If you wish, I can also recommend a wine or cocktail to pair with this dish.