Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Mortadella and Pistachios

26/11/2023

Certainly, preparing arancini with mortadella and pistachios is a fantastic variant that combines classic Sicilian flavors with a touch of originality. Here is the recipe to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio)
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 100 g of butter
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 g of mortadella, cut into small cubes
  • 100 g of shelled and chopped pistachios
  • 100 g of flour
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper as needed

Preparation

  1. Start by cooking the rice: melt half the butter in a large pot and toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the hot vegetable broth little by little, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more broth. Continue until the rice is cooked, but still al dente.
  2. Turn off the heat, add the grated Parmesan, the remaining butter, adjust salt and pepper, and let the risotto cool completely, ideally in the fridge.
  3. Once the rice is cold, add one of the two beaten eggs and mix well to combine.
  4. Take a portion of rice and flatten it on your hand, place some cubed mortadella in the center and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, then close with more rice, forming a ball.
  5. Dip the arancini first in the other beaten egg, then in the flour, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely coated.
  6. Fry the arancini in hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
  7. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Trivia

Arancini, like many dishes in Sicilian tradition, have very ancient origins. The name derives from their shape and color, which resemble small oranges, and they have become a symbol of the island’s street food. The variant with mortadella and pistachios is a combination of the robust taste of the cured meat and the slightly sweet and characteristic flavor of pistachios, widely used in Sicilian cuisine.

Serve them hot as an appetizing appetizer or as a main course, perhaps accompanied by a glass of fresh white wine. Enjoy your meal!