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Arancini with Orange and Fennel Risotto

26/11/2023

The Arancini with orange and fennel risotto are a fresh and tasty variant of the classic Sicilian Arancino. The aroma of orange and the aniseed flavor of fennel give this appetizer an original twist. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of risotto rice (like Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano)
  • 1 large fennel
  • 2 organic oranges
  • 1 small shallot
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • 30 g of butter
  • 80 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Flour as needed
  • Oil for frying
  • Optional: cubes of mozzarella or scamorza cheese for stuffing

Preparation

  1. Begin by grating the zest of one orange, then squeeze the juice and set aside. Clean the fennel by removing the tough outer parts and cutting it into small cubes.

  2. Finely chop the shallot and let it wilt in a saucepan with a knob of butter. Add the fennel cubes and let them flavor for a few minutes. Add the rice and toast until it becomes translucent.

  3. Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate. Then start adding the hot vegetable broth, a little at a time, continuing to stir and letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more.

  4. Halfway through cooking, incorporate the orange zest and juice into the rice. Continue cooking the risotto by adding broth when necessary, until the rice is al dente.

  5. Once the risotto is ready, remove it from the heat, adjust salt and pepper, add the Parmesan and the remaining butter. Mix well to cream and then spread on a tray to cool quickly.

  6. When the risotto is cold, prepare the arancini: take a portion of risotto, flatten it on your hand, and if you want, place a cube of mozzarella or scamorza in the center. Close the risotto around the cheese, forming a ball or an oval shape.

  7. Dip the arancini first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Make sure they are well covered.

  8. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and fry the arancini until they are golden on all sides. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  9. Serve hot as an appetizer or as a main dish.

Trivia

Arancini are a Sicilian street food found in various versions, from meat to ragù, to butter, to the more recent ones that include ingredients like shrimp or pistachios. The version I have presented is a tribute to Mediterranean flavors, where the sweet citrus flavor of orange perfectly matches the fresh and slightly sweet note of fennel.