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Arancini with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

26/11/2023

The arancini with broccoli rabe and sausage are a delightful variant of the classic Sicilian street food. Here’s the recipe to make this tasty version:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 1 bunch of broccoli rabe
  • 200 g of fresh sausage
  • 1/2 glass of white wine
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Saffron powder or threads
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • About 500 ml of vegetable broth
  • Bread crumbs as needed
  • Flour as needed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil as needed
  • Frying oil as needed

Preparation

  1. Begin by cooking the rice: sauté half of the chopped onion in some extra virgin olive oil, then add the rice and toast it for a few minutes. Deglaze with white wine and let it evaporate. Then gradually add the hot vegetable broth until the rice is fully cooked. During the last addition of broth, dissolve the saffron to achieve a beautiful golden color.
  2. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a baking dish to let it cool, and add the grated Parmesan. Mix well and let it warm down.
  3. In the meantime, clean and boil the broccoli rabe in salted water. Drain and roughly chop.
  4. In a pan, sauté the remaining onion with a drizzle of oil, add the crumbled sausage, and brown it. Deglaze again with white wine, let it evaporate, and then add the broccoli rabe. Cook for a few minutes, season with salt and pepper, and let cool.
  5. Once the rice and filling have cooled down, start shaping the arancini: take a portion of rice, create a cup in your hand, and in the center add a spoonful of the broccoli rabe and sausage filling, then close with more rice, giving them the classic round or oval shape.
  6. Dip the arancini first in beaten egg, then in flour, and finally in breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.
  7. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot.

Fun Facts

Arancini are one of the icons of Sicilian cuisine and are also called “arancine”, depending on the area of the island where you are. It is said that their name derives from the shape and color that resemble a small orange, “arancia” in Italian.

Enjoy your meal! If you need further details or have dietary restrictions, do not hesitate to ask.