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Arancini with Pesto Risotto and Shrimp

26/11/2023

Arancini with pesto risotto and shrimp is a delicious variation of the classic Sicilian arancino, combining flavors from the north and south of Italy. Here is the recipe for this exquisite version:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 500 ml of vegetable broth
  • 100 g of shelled and cleaned shrimp
  • 100 g of Genoese pesto
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil as needed
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Flour as needed
  • Mozzarella or other melting cheese, cut into cubes
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Prepare a classic risotto: in a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a minute, then start gradually adding the boiling vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Cook until the rice is al dente, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. While the rice is cooking, in a pan sauté the chopped garlic in some oil, add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and done. Season with salt and pepper and put aside.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and incorporate the Genoese pesto and grated Parmesan. Let the risotto cool.
  5. In a bowl, beat the eggs and prepare two plates with flour and breadcrumbs.
  6. Take a bit of the now cool risotto, form a small hollow in the center and insert some shrimp and a cube of mozzarella. Close the arancino by forming a ball or an oval shape.
  7. Dredge the arancino first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
  8. Once all the arancini are shaped, heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and fry the arancini until they are golden brown on all sides.
  9. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Curiosity

In Sicily, arancini are usually served as street food or an appetizer. The shape and filling can vary from one part of the island to another. This version with pesto and shrimp is a gourmet reinterpretation that combines Sicilian tradition with typical Ligurian flavors, a perfect synergy for palates in search of new taste experiences.