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Arancini with Sweet Potatoes and Chorizo

26/11/2023

Arancini are a Sicilian delight, but the version with sweet potatoes and chorizo you’ve mentioned is a creative and international variation. The addition of sweet potatoes and chorizo will bring a touch of sweetness and spice, respectively, that you probably wouldn’t find in the traditional version.

Here is an “Italianized” recipe for the arancino that might suit your request:

Ingredients

For the arancini:

  • 300g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
  • 150g of chorizo, cut into small pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, chopped
  • 1 liter of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 100g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the coating:

  • Flour
  • Beaten eggs
  • Breadcrumbs

Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until translucent.
  2. Add the chorizo and sauté until crispy.
  3. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes.
  4. Gradually add the hot broth, stirring continuously until it is completely absorbed before adding more broth.
  5. When the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Integrate the mashed sweet potato, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set the mixture aside to cool.
  6. Once the rice is cool enough to handle, start forming the arancini. Take some of the rice and shape it into the classic round or oval shape, inserting a handful of chorizo in the center, if desired, for a more flavorful heart.
  7. Roll each arancino first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
  8. Fry the arancini in plenty of oil at 175°C until they are golden and crispy.
  9. Drain them on paper towels and serve hot.

Curiosity

The arancini, whose “origin” is strictly Sicilian, can have multiple fillings: ragù, butter, mushrooms, eggplants, and much more. The experimentation with ingredients like chorizo and sweet potatoes shows how this traditional recipe can be adapted and personalized according to personal tastes and culinary influences.