Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Speck and Radicchio

26/11/2023

Certainly, gladly! Arancini with speck and radicchio are a variation of the traditional Sicilian arancino, enriched with typical ingredients from northern Italy. Here is the recipe to prepare this tasty variant.

Ingredients

For the risotto:

  • 300 g risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio)
  • 1 liter vegetable or meat broth
  • 1 glass white wine
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 30 g butter
  • 50 g grated Parmesan

For the filling:

  • 100 g speck, diced
  • 150 g Treviso radicchio, cut into strips
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

For breading and frying:

  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Flour to taste
  • Oil for frying (seed or extra-virgin olive oil)

Preparation

  1. Risotto: Start by preparing the risotto. In a wide pan, sauté the chopped onion with half the butter until translucent. Add the rice and toast for a couple of minutes, then deglaze with the white wine. Once the wine has evaporated, begin adding the broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is fully cooked but still al dente. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and Parmesan. Spread the risotto on a tray and let it cool.

  2. Filling: In a non-stick pan, crisp the speck until crunchy. Add the radicchio strips and let them wilt for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.

  3. Shaping the arancini: Take a portion of cooled risotto, flatten it in your hand, and place some of the speck and radicchio filling in the center. Close the risotto around the filling, shaping it into a ball or a slightly elongated form as preferred.

  4. Breading: Coat each arancino first in flour, then in the lightly beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well covered on all sides.

  5. Frying: Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan and, once it reaches the right temperature (about 170 °C), fry the arancini until golden. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan and turn them for even cooking.

  6. Draining: Drain and place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

Curiosities

Arancini are a very popular snack in Sicily and their name derives from their shape and color, which resemble oranges. The variation we have prepared combines southern tradition with typical northern ingredients, delivering a truly unique flavor experience.