Arancini with Pumpkin, Amaretti, and Provola

Certainly, the Arancini with pumpkin, amaretti, and provola are an autumnal sweet-savory variant of the classic Sicilian arancino. Here is the recipe to prepare them.

Ingredients for about 8-10 arancini:

• 300 g of risotto rice (such as arborio or carnaroli)
• 800 g of cleaned pumpkin
• 1 small onion
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 100 g of amaretti
• 200 g of smoked provola
• 2 eggs
• All-purpose flour as needed
• Breadcrumbs as needed
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Butter as needed
• Grated parmesan as needed
• Nutmeg to taste

Preparation

1. Start by preparing a pumpkin risotto: cut the pumpkin into cubes and chop it together with the onion. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion with a bit of butter, then add the pumpkin and cook until it softens.
2. Add the rice and toast it for a few minutes. Deglaze with a glass of white wine if desired, let it evaporate, and start adding the hot vegetable broth little by little, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the risotto with salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg. Once cooked, turn off the heat and add the parmesan, let the risotto rest so it cools completely.
4. Meanwhile, crumble the amaretti and cut the smoked provola into cubes.
5. Once the risotto is cold, take portions of rice and flatten them on your hand. In the center of each portion, add some crumbled amaretti and a cube of provola, then close and form balls, making sure the filling is well sealed inside.
6. In three separate shallow dishes, place the beaten eggs, some flour, and breadcrumbs. Coat each arancino first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. In a deep pan, heat plenty of oil for frying. When the oil is hot, fry the arancini until they are golden and crispy.
8. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot.

The arancini with pumpkin, amaretti, and provola are a surprising combination of flavors where the sweetness of the pumpkin and amaretti pleasantly contrasts with the bold flavor of the smoked provola. A dish rich in textures and perfect for an autumn dinner.

Fun Facts

Arancini are a Sicilian specialty and their name derives from their shape and color similar to small oranges (“arancini” in Italian means “small oranges”). The classic recipe consists of rice, butter, saffron, a heart of ragù, peas, and sometimes mozzarella. There are many regional variants and modern reinterpretations like this one with pumpkin and amaretti, which reflect the Italian skill in renewing their traditional dishes.