Il Cucinologo
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Chicken and Curry Arancini

26/11/2023

Here is the recipe for preparing delicious Chicken and Curry Arancini. Note that this is a variant that unites Sicilian tradition with exotic flavors. It is a delicious dish that combines rice with ragù and the aromatic flavor of curry and chicken.

Ingredients

  • 300 g Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 100 g frozen peas
  • 500 ml chicken broth
  • 50 g butter
  • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g breadcrumbs
  • All-purpose flour as needed for breading
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the ragù:

  • 200 g ground meat
  • 1 small onion
  • 100 ml tomato passata
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of sugar

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the risotto for the arancini. Finely chop the onion and sauté it with a little butter, then add the rice and toast for about a minute.
  2. Gradually add the hot chicken broth, stirring occasionally until the rice is cooked and creamy.
  3. Stir in the curry powder and grated Parmesan cheese, then adjust the salt and pepper. Let the risotto cool slightly.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the peas in lightly salted water and finely chop the chicken breast. Prepare the ragù by sautéing the chopped onion with a little oil, then add the ground meat, tomato passata, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until the ragù is well thickened.
  5. In a pan, brown the chopped chicken and peas until the chicken is cooked, then combine everything with the ragù.
  6. Take a portion of cooled risotto, flatten it on your hand, and place a spoonful of chicken and curry ragù in the center.
  7. Close the rice around the filling to form a ball or the typical oval shape of arancini.
  8. Coat the arancini first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
  9. Fry the arancini in hot oil until golden and crispy.
  10. Drain them on paper towels and serve hot.

Curiosities

Arancini originated in Sicily and are traditionally filled with ragù, peas, and cheese. Their round or cone shape symbolizes Etna, the famous Sicilian volcano. With the addition of curry and chicken, this dish becomes a perfect example of fusion between Sicilian cuisine and international flavors.