Arancini with Prosecco and Scampi Risotto

Arancini with prosecco and scampi risotto are a refined variation of the classic Sicilian arancino. Here is the recipe to prepare this delight.

Ingredients

• 200 g risotto rice (such as Carnaroli or Arborio)
• 200 ml prosecco
• 500 ml vegetable broth
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 150 g cleaned scampi
• 50 g butter
• 100 g grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour to taste
• 2 eggs
• Breadcrumbs to taste
• Oil for frying

For the filling:

• 200 g larger cleaned scampi, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the risotto. In a large pan, sauté the finely chopped shallot in the olive oil. Once golden, add the rice and toast it until it becomes translucent.
2. Deglaze with the prosecco and let the alcohol evaporate. Add a ladle of hot vegetable broth and continue cooking over medium heat, adding broth little by little as the rice absorbs it.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook the scampi with the extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper (and parsley, if desired) until golden. Set aside.
4. When the rice is almost cooked, add the filling scampi to the risotto, along with the butter and Parmesan. Stir until the butter and cheese have completely melted and the rice has reached a creamy consistency. Let cool.
5. Once the risotto is cold, take some rice in your hand and make a hollow in the center. Add a few pieces of scampi, then cover with more rice and form a ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
6. Coat each arancino first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, making sure they are well covered.
7. Heat plenty of oil in a pot and fry the arancini until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Serve the arancini hot.

Trivia

Arancini are a specialty of Sicilian cuisine, traditionally filled with ragù, peas, and mozzarella. This gourmet version with prosecco and scampi risotto is a reinterpretation that pairs sea flavors with the liveliness of prosecco, ideal for an elegant appetizer or a truly surprising main course.