Arancini

Italy

Also known as Arancino, Arancina

About Arancini

Arancini are Sicilian rice balls, made from risotto rice shaped around a filling, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crisp. The name means "little oranges", after their round shape and color.

The most traditional filling is ragù (meat sauce) with peas and cheese such as mozzarella or caciocavallo. Another classic is ham and mozzarella. Saffron is often used in the rice, a reminder of the Arab influence on Sicily, which introduced rice to the island.

In Palermo they are round and called arancine, while in Catania they are usually cone-shaped and called arancini, a long-running friendly argument. They are a popular street food and snack across Sicily and southern Italy.

Ingredients

• risotto
• breadcrumbs
• mozzarella
• meat sauce
• peas
• parmesan
• eggs
• oil