Il Cucinologo
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Arancini with Tuna and Capers

26/11/2023

Of course, arancini with tuna and capers are a delicate and tasty variant of the more classic Sicilian arancino. Here is the recipe to prepare them.

Ingredients

For the rice:

  • 500 g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 1 liter vegetable broth
  • Saffron, one sachet or in threads
  • 50 g butter
  • 100 g grated Parmesan
  • 2 eggs (for breading)
  • Salt, to taste

For the filling:

  • 200 g drained tuna in oil
  • 50 g salt-packed capers, rinsed and chopped
  • 150 g well-drained mozzarella, cut into cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For breading and frying:

  • Breadcrumbs, as needed
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the risotto: in a large pot, lightly toast the rice without any fat, then deglaze with a ladle of vegetable broth. Continue cooking the rice by adding the broth a little at a time and stirring occasionally. Halfway through cooking, add the saffron dissolved in a bit of hot broth to give the risotto color and aroma.

  2. Once the rice is al dente, turn off the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan until well combined. Let the risotto cool on a baking sheet or in a wide container to speed up the process.

  3. While the rice cools, prepare the filling by mixing the well-drained tuna with the capers and mozzarella cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. When the risotto is cold, take portions of rice in your hands, form a cavity in the center, and insert some of the tuna and caper filling. Close the arancino into the classic ball or cone shape.

  5. In a bowl, beat the eggs and place breadcrumbs on a plate. Coat the arancini first in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well covered.

  6. Fry the arancini in plenty of hot vegetable oil (about 170-180 °C) until golden on all sides. It is best to fry them a few at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature.

  7. Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Fun Facts

Arancini, a symbol of Sicilian cuisine, take their name from their shape and color reminiscent of an orange. They have stories and variations in every town on the island, so feel free to customize your recipe with other typical ingredients if you want to explore!

Enjoy your meal!