Il Cucinologo
EN

Arancini with Cheese and Peppers

26/11/2023

Arancini with cheese and peppers are a delicious variant of classic Sicilian arancini. Here is the recipe to prepare these tasty fried treats.

Ingredients

  • 250 g risotto rice (such as arborio or carnaroli)
  • 500 ml vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 100 g stringy cheese (such as mozzarella), cut into cubes
  • 1 red pepper, cut into small pieces
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. In a pot, sauté the chopped onion in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Begin adding the hot vegetable broth a little at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more. Continue cooking the rice, stirring constantly until it is al dente and creamy. This should take about 18 minutes.
  4. At the end of cooking, add the grated Parmesan, adjust salt and pepper, and mix well. Transfer the risotto to a baking dish and let it cool completely.
  5. While the risotto cools, prepare the filling. Briefly sauté the peppers in a pan with a drizzle of oil and salt until soft.
  6. Take a portion of cooled risotto, form a small dome in your hand, and place a piece of cheese and some pepper pieces in the center.
  7. Close the arancino to form a ball or cone, ensuring the filling is completely sealed inside the rice.
  8. Dip each arancino first in the beaten eggs and then in the breadcrumbs to form an even coating.
  9. In a deep pan, heat plenty of oil and fry the arancini over medium-high heat until golden brown all over.
  10. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the arancini with cheese and peppers hot, to best enjoy the stringy cheese inside.

Fun Facts

Arancini are a specialty of Sicilian cuisine; they are usually prepared with ragù, but there are endless variations that include different fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, and more gourmet versions with fish or special ingredients. The name “arancini” comes from their shape and color that resemble small oranges, thanks to the breading and frying.