Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Seafood Risotto

26/11/2023

Arancini with seafood risotto are a delicious and refined variant of the traditional Sicilian arancino. Here is the recipe to prepare them:

Ingredients

For the risotto:

  • 320 g Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 chopped shallot
  • Extra virgin olive oil (as needed for sautéing)
  • 1 glass of dry white wine
  • Fish stock (as needed for cooking the rice)
  • 400 g assorted seafood (e.g. mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari)
  • Salt and pepper (as needed)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Saffron (a few threads for color)

For the arancini:

  • Prepared pan-fried risotto
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Flour
  • Salt

For the coating:

  • Flour (as needed)
  • Beaten eggs (2-3 depending on quantity)
  • Breadcrumbs (as needed)

For frying:

  • Seed oil (as needed for frying)

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the seafood risotto. Sauté the chopped shallot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan.
  2. Add the rice and toast it until it becomes translucent.
  3. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
  4. Gradually add the hot fish stock, stirring continuously, and cook the rice according to the recommended cooking time.
  5. Halfway through cooking, add the seafood and continue cooking, adding stock as needed.
  6. When the risotto is ready, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and if desired, add the saffron for a nice yellow color.
  7. Transfer the risotto to a baking tray to cool.
  8. Once cooled, take portions of the seafood risotto and shape them into the typical spherical form of arancini.
  9. Coat each arancino first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Make sure they are fully covered on all surfaces.
  10. Heat plenty of seed oil in a deep pan and, once it reaches the right temperature (about 170 °C), fry the arancini until golden brown all over.
  11. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the arancini with seafood risotto hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Fun Fact

Arancini are a typical preparation of Sicilian cuisine and their name derives from their shape and color that resemble oranges. They are usually prepared with a filling of ragù, peas and mozzarella, but this variant with seafood risotto is an excellent alternative especially if you want a taste of the sea.