Home

Arancini with tuna and capers

26/11/2023

Of course, arancini with tuna and capers are a delicate and tasty variation of the classic Sicilian arancino. Here is the recipe to prepare them.

Ingredients

For the rice:

  • 500 g of risotto rice (like Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • Saffron, one sachet or in strands
  • 50 g of butter
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs (for breading)
  • Salt, to taste

For the filling:

  • 200 g of drained oil-packed tuna
  • 50 g of salted capers, rinsed and chopped
  • 150 g of well-drained mozzarella, cut into cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For breading and frying:

  • Breadcrumbs, as needed
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the risotto: in a large pot, lightly toast the rice without fats, then deglaze with a ladle of vegetable broth. Continue to cook the rice, adding the broth gradually and stirring occasionally. Halfway through cooking, add the saffron dissolved in some hot broth to give the risotto color and aroma.

  2. Once the rice is al dente, turn off the heat and incorporate the butter and Parmesan, stirring until well blended. Let the risotto cool on a tray or in a wide container to speed up the process.

  3. While the rice is cooling, prepare the filling by mixing the well-drained tuna with the capers and mozzarella cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. When the risotto is cool, take portions of rice in your hands, form a cavity in the center, and insert some of the tuna and caper filling. Close the arancino by shaping it into the classic ball or cone shape.

  5. In a bowl, beat the eggs, and on a plate, place some breadcrumbs. Coat the arancini first in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well covered.

  6. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot vegetable oil (about 170-180 °C) until golden on all sides. It is best to fry a few at a time to not lower the temperature of the oil.

  7. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Curiosity

Arancini, symbols of Sicilian cuisine, derive their name from their shape and color, which resemble an orange. They have stories and variations in every city on the island, so don’t hesitate to customize your recipe with other typical ingredients if you’re up for exploring!

Enjoy your meal!