Arancini with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

Arancini with broccoli rabe and sausage are a delicious variant of the most classic Sicilian street food. Here is the recipe to make this tasty version:

Ingredients

• 300 g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
• 1 bunch of broccoli rabe
• 200 g fresh sausage
• 1/2 glass white wine
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Saffron powder or threads
• 100 g grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• About 500 ml vegetable stock
• Breadcrumbs as needed
• Flour as needed
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
• Oil for frying as needed

Preparation

1. Start by cooking the rice: sauté half the chopped onion in a little extra-virgin olive oil, then add the rice and toast for a few minutes. Deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate. Gradually add the hot vegetable stock until the rice is cooked. During the final addition of stock, dissolve the saffron to achieve a nice golden color.
2. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a baking dish to cool, then add the grated Parmesan. Mix well and let it cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, clean and blanch 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. Deglaze again with white wine, let it evaporate, 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, shape the arancini: take a portion of rice, form a dome in your hand, add a spoonful of the broccoli rabe and sausage filling in the center, then cover with more rice, shaping it into the classic round or oval form.
6. Coat the arancini first in the beaten egg, then in the flour, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well covered.
7. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot oil until golden and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot.

Trivia

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

Enjoy your meal! If you need further details or have dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to ask.