Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Artichokes and Pecorino

26/11/2023

Of course, arancini with artichokes and pecorino are a delicious variant of the classic Sicilian street food. Here is the recipe to prepare these tasty bites.

Ingredients

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

For the filling:

  • 200 g cleaned artichokes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 100 g pecorino romano, cubed
  • 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 the butter until translucent. Add the rice and toast for a few minutes. Deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate.

  2. Add the hot vegetable broth a little at a time, cooking the rice until al dente. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent 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 baking dish 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 pieces and cook until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Let everything cool.

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

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

  7. Heat the oil in a deep pot and, once hot, fry the arancini until golden and crispy.

  8. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Curiosities

Arancini can have different shapes depending on the region of Sicily. 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 at important celebrations like weddings and parties.