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Arancini with orange and vanilla risotto

26/11/2023

Certainly, I can provide you with a recipe for making Arancini with orange and vanilla risotto, combining the classic Sicilian dish with a sweet and citrusy twist. It will be a fascinating fusion of traditional Italian cuisine and a dash of creative novelty.

Ingredients

For the risotto:

  • 250 g of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 l of vegetable broth
  • 2 oranges (both zest and juice)
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 50 g of butter
  • 80 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil as needed
  • Salt and pepper as needed

For the Arancini:

  • 200 g of breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 g of flour
  • Oil for frying

For the filling (optional):

  • Diced mozzarella
  • Simple tomato sauce
  • Pieces of cooked ham

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the risotto: in a pot, sauté the chopped onion in oil and a knob of butter until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a few minutes, until it becomes slightly translucent.
  3. Deglaze with orange juice and add the grated zest and the split vanilla pod. Stir and start adding the hot vegetable broth little by little, continuing to stir.
  4. Cook the rice until it is al dente, adding broth as necessary. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
  5. Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat, discard the vanilla pod and add the Parmesan and the remaining butter, mixing well to cream it. Let the rice cool completely.
  6. Once the risotto is cold, take portions of it and form balls, inserting a bit of mozzarella, sauce, or cooked ham in the center if you want a melting heart.
  7. Bread the arancini by first passing them in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
  8. Fry the arancini in hot oil until they are golden and crispy on all sides. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Curiosity

Arancini are a Sicilian specialty known all over the world, usually filled with ragù, peas, and mozzarella. This orange and vanilla version offers an unexpected and sophisticated flavor that may pleasantly surprise the palate, especially if you love sweet-salty flavors.