Il Cucinologo
EN

Arancini with Goat Cheese and Honey

26/11/2023

Sure! The Arancino is a typical dish of Sicilian cuisine, a true delight characterized by rice and a stringy heart. Traditionally they are filled with ragù, peas and mozzarella, but they can be customized with a variety of fillings. Here I propose a gourmet version with goat cheese and honey, a surprising mix of flavors where the sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the distinct taste of goat cheese.

Ingredients

  • 300 g Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 50 g butter
  • 100 ml white wine
  • 1 liter hot vegetable broth
  • 100 g grated parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g soft goat cheese
  • Wildflower honey to taste
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing a classic risotto. Sauté the finely chopped onion with half the butter until translucent. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes, then deglaze with white wine until it evaporates completely.

  2. Add the hot broth a little at a time, continuing to stir until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, add the parmesan, remaining butter, salt and pepper to taste. Stir until you get a homogeneous consistency and let cool completely.

  3. Once the risotto has cooled, prepare small portions of rice by flattening them on your hand. Place a bit of goat cheese and a teaspoon of honey in the center of each portion, then close with more rice forming a ball.

  4. Beat the eggs in a bowl and prepare a plate with breadcrumbs. Pass the arancini first in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.

  5. Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan and, once the temperature is reached, fry the arancini until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overload the pan so as not to lower the oil temperature too much.

  6. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Trivia

Arancini, whose name derives from their resemblance to small oranges (“arancini” in fact), have origins that are lost in the mists of time, with first mentions already in the Arab era in Sicily. The version I have presented to you is a modern reinterpretation that plays with flavor contrasts.

Serve them hot to best appreciate the creaminess of the goat cheese and the unique touch of honey. Enjoy your meal!