Farro Arancini with Grilled Vegetables

Farro arancini with grilled vegetables are a lighter and healthier variation of the traditional Sicilian arancino, which is usually made with rice. Farro is an ancient grain, rich in fiber and protein, and the grilled vegetables add a touch of lightness and freshness to this recipe. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 200 grams of pearl farro
• 500 ml of vegetable broth
• 1 zucchini
• 1 small eggplant
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 100 grams of mozzarella or vegan string cheese
• 100 grams of breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs (or vegan substitute such as chickpea flour and water to make a batter)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Start by cooking the farro in the vegetable broth until it is tender but still al dente. It generally takes about 20-30 minutes. Once cooked, drain well and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, slice the zucchini and eggplant, then cut the bell peppers into strips. Grill the vegetables on a hot grill, lightly brushing them with extra-virgin olive oil and seasoning with salt to taste. They should be soft but still retain some texture.
3. Once grilled, cut the vegetables into very small pieces so they can be easily enclosed in the arancini.
4. Also cut the mozzarella into cubes.
5. In a large bowl, mix the farro with the grilled vegetables and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Prepare two separate small bowls: one with the beaten eggs and one with the breadcrumbs. If following a vegan version, prepare a batter with chickpea flour and water until it reaches a consistency suitable for coating.
7. Now start shaping the arancini by taking a handful of farro and vegetables, placing a cube of mozzarella in the center, and closing to form a ball or cylinder. If the farro is not sticky enough, you can add a little water to help.
8. Coat each arancino first in the egg or vegan batter and then in the breadcrumbs.
9. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and, once it reaches the right temperature, fry the arancini until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10. Serve the farro arancini with grilled vegetables hot.

Trivia

In Sicily, arancini are a true culinary institution and can be filled in many ways: from the classic ragù with peas to mozzarella and ham, to more gourmet versions. Their round shape symbolizes the sun, which has always held great cultural importance for Sicily, and it is this shape that gives them the name “arancini,” meaning little oranges. Farro arancini with grilled vegetables thus represent a contemporary take on this ancient tradition.