Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Pesto Risotto and Shrimp

26/11/2023

Arancini with pesto risotto and shrimp are a delicious variation of the classic Sicilian arancino, combining the flavors of northern and southern Italy. Here is the recipe to prepare this exquisite version:

Ingredients

  • 200 g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 500 ml vegetable broth
  • 100 g peeled and cleaned shrimp
  • 100 g Genovese pesto
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Flour to taste
  • Mozzarella or other melting cheese, cut into cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Prepare a classic risotto: in a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a minute, then gradually add the boiling vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Cook until the rice is al dente, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. While the rice is cooking, in a pan sauté the chopped garlic in a little oil, add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the Genovese pesto and grated Parmesan. Let the risotto cool.
  5. In a bowl, beat the eggs and prepare two plates with flour and breadcrumbs.
  6. Take some cold risotto, make a small hollow in the center and insert some shrimp and a cube of mozzarella. Close the arancino to form a ball or oval shape.
  7. Coat the arancino first in flour, then in the beaten egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.
  8. Once all the arancini are formed, heat plenty of oil in a pan and fry the arancini until golden on all sides.
  9. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Trivia

In Sicily, arancini are usually served as street food or an appetizer. The shape and filling can vary from one part of the island to another. This version with pesto and shrimp is a gourmet reinterpretation that combines Sicilian tradition with typical Ligurian flavors, a perfect synergy for palates seeking new taste experiences.