Arancini with artichokes and pecorino

Certainly, arancini with artichokes and pecorino are a delicious variation of the classic Sicilian street food. Here is the recipe for preparing these tasty morsels.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of risotto rice (such as arborio or carnaroli)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 60 g of butter
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • 1 l of vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 200 g of artichoke hearts (fresh or frozen)
  • 100 g of grated pecorino romano
  • 2 eggs
  • Flour as needed
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Oil for frying

For the filling:

  • 200 g of cleaned artichokes
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 100 g of pecorino romano, diced
  • Chopped parsley to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the risotto: sauté the chopped onion in butter until it becomes translucent. Add the rice and toast for a few minutes. Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate.

  2. Add the hot vegetable broth a little at a time, cooking the rice until it is al dente. Make sure to stir often to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  3. When the risotto is ready, remove from the heat and add the grated pecorino. Mix well, then transfer the risotto to a tray and let it cool completely.

  4. While the risotto cools, prepare the artichoke filling: in a pan, sauté the garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Add the artichokes cut into small pieces and cook until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Let everything cool.

  5. Take a portion of cooled risotto and flatten it on your hand. Place a cube of pecorino and some of the artichoke filling in the center and close the rice around the filling, forming a ball or a cone.

  6. Coat the arancini first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs.

  7. Heat the oil in a deep pot and, when it’s hot, fry the arancini until they become golden and crispy.

  8. Drain them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.

Curiosity Arancini can have different shapes depending on the area of Sicily where they are found. Traditionally cone-shaped to symbolize Mount Etna in the Catania area, they are round in the rest of the island. Their popularity is such that they are often served in important celebrations like weddings and parties.