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Arancini alla Norma

26/11/2023

Arancini alla Norma are a variation that combines the Sicilian tradition of arancini, which are breaded and fried rice croquettes, with the typical flavors of pasta alla Norma, characterized by eggplant, tomato, and salted ricotta. Here is the recipe to prepare this variant:

Ingredients

  • 300 g risotto rice (such as arborio or carnaroli)
  • 200 g eggplant
  • 500 ml tomato passata
  • 100 g salted ricotta
  • 1 small onion
  • Mozzarella, cubed (as needed)
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • Flour (as needed for breading)
  • Breadcrumbs (as needed for breading)
  • Seed oil for frying
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh basil (to taste)
  • 1 sachet of saffron (optional)

Preparation

  1. Cook the rice in salted water, following the instructions on the package. If desired, you can add a sachet of saffron to the cooking water to give color and flavor to the rice.

  2. While the rice is cooking, cut the eggplant into cubes and fry them in extra virgin olive oil until golden and soft. Set them aside on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  3. In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the tomato passata and let it cook for about ten minutes. Then add the fried eggplant, salt, pepper, and torn basil. Cook until the sauce has thickened.

  4. Once the rice is ready, let it cool and then mix with the Parmesan and egg to bind the mixture.

  5. Take a portion of rice and flatten it on your hand. Place some eggplant sauce and a cube of mozzarella in the center.

  6. Close the rice around the filling, forming a ball or cone, depending on the shape you prefer for your arancini.

  7. Coat the arancini first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully covered.

  8. Fry the arancini in hot seed oil until golden and crispy.

  9. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot, with a sprinkle of grated salted ricotta on top.

Trivia

Arancini are a classic Sicilian street food that can be enjoyed in many variations, from the most traditional with ragù and peas to more innovative ones that include different ingredients, such as this Norma-style version. The name “alla Norma” comes from the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, as a tribute to the famous composer from Catania.