Arancini with Basmati Rice, Curry, and Vegetables

26/11/2023

Arancini are a typically Sicilian specialty that is usually made with arborio or carnaroli rice, but we can give it an exotic and light touch by using basmati rice and spices like curry. Here’s how to give an international twist to this classic of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

200 g basmati rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons curry powder
Vegetable broth as needed
100 g fresh or frozen peas
1 carrot cut into cubes
1 zucchini cut into cubes
Salt as needed
Flour as needed for breading
Breadcrumbs as needed for breading
2 eggs
150 g mozzarella cut into cubes (optional)
Oil for frying

Preparation

Cook the basmati rice following the instructions on the package, but replacing the water with vegetable broth to add flavor. Add the curry while the rice cooks, so that it absorbs the flavor of the spices well.
Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté the chopped onion in two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then add the peas, carrots, and zucchini and cook until the vegetables are tender but still crunchy. Season with salt to taste.
Once the rice is cooked and the vegetables are ready, combine the two preparations by mixing well so that the rice is evenly colored by the curry and flavored with the vegetables.
Let the mixture cool. Once cold, you can form the arancini by taking a handful of rice, placing a few cubes of mozzarella in the center, and closing with more rice, forming a ball or cone.
Bread the arancini by coating them first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside.
Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot.

Arancini with basmati rice, curry, and vegetables are an excellent vegetarian variant with an international flavor of the more classic arancino with ragù. They allow you to explore new flavors while maintaining the traditional base of this famous Sicilian street food.

Buon appetito!