Arancini with Black Rice and Curry Shrimp

26/11/2023

Arancini with black rice and curry shrimp are a creative interpretation of a classic of Sicilian cuisine. They introduce exotic flavors and vibrant colors into a traditional specialty. Let’s see the recipe.

Ingredients for about 8-10 arancini:

300 g of Venere rice (black rice)
750 ml of vegetable broth
200 g of shelled and cleaned shrimp
1 tablespoon of curry powder
1 small finely chopped onion
100 ml of white wine
50 g of butter
100 g of mozzarella, cut into small cubes
100 g of flour
2 beaten eggs
200 g of breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation

Start by preparing the risotto. In a large saucepan, sauté the finely chopped onion in the butter until it becomes translucent. Add the Venere rice and toast it for a couple of minutes.
Deglaze the rice with the white wine and let it evaporate. Then begin adding the hot vegetable broth little by little, as for a normal risotto, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Cook until the rice is al dente; it will take about 30-40 minutes, since Venere rice has longer cooking times than white rice.
Separately, in a pan, cook the shrimp with a drizzle of oil and the curry powder until they are pink and cooked through. Season lightly with salt.
When the risotto is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then incorporate the curry shrimp.
To form the arancini, take a portion of rice, place a couple of shrimp and a cube of mozzarella in the center, and close to form a ball. Repeat for each arancino.
Bread the arancini by coating them first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
Fry the arancini in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Drain the arancini on paper towels and serve hot.

Trivia

Arancini are a Sicilian street food created to allow workers to enjoy a complete meal during work. Traditionally, they are a stuffed rice ball, breaded and fried. The name “arancino” comes from the shape and color that resemble a small orange. The version with black rice and curry shrimp represents a delicious variation on the classic theme.