Arancini balls made with tomato paste

Name: Arancini balls made with tomato paste
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 large pinch of saffron; 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium brown onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tbsp Mutti Double Concentrate Tomato Paste; 150 g Arborio rice; 200 ml white wine; 40 g butter; 100 g finely grated Parmesan; 150 g fresh mozzarella; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 Finely grated zest of lemon; 1/2 cup plain flour; 3 eggs; 1/2 milk; 200 g panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil, for deep-frying; Mayonnaise, to serve

Arancini balls are a staple Sicilian snack consisting of stuffed riceballs enclosed in a golden crispy breadcrumb coating. Pour yourself a drink and treat yourself to the rich flavour of Arancini.

Made with Mutti Tomato Paste

Double concentrated for a rich, vibrant tomato flavour, our tomato paste is the perfect addition to many dishes to add an intense tomato flavour.

40 min (COOK TIME: 40 min)

Medium

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS

1 large pinch of saffron
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium brown onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp Mutti Double Concentrate Tomato Paste
150 g Arborio rice
200 ml white wine
40 g butter
100 g finely grated Parmesan
150 g fresh mozzarella
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Finely grated zest of lemon

Crumbing mix

1/2 cup plain flour
3 eggs
1/2 milk
200 g panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Mayonnaise, to serve

Did you know? Arancini balls became wider known on a global scale through the Italian book series, Inspector Montalbano, due to the main character’s love for Arancini.

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Arancini balls made with tomato paste: Method

Place the saffron and stock in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Turn down to a low simmer.
Heat olive oil in a wide-based saucepan and add the onion and garlic, sauté stirring for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the Mutti Double Concentrate Tomato Paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the rice, salt and pepper and the wine and continue stirring until all the liquid is nearly evaporated. Start slowly adding the simmering stock, continuously stirring for approx. 20 minutes.
Add butter, Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread risotto mix onto a tray to cool.
Transfer the mix to a bowl. Stir through the mozzarella.
Using damp hands to roll the rice into fifteen even-sized balls (approx. 50-60 g). Place them on a tray.
To prepare the crumbing mix, place the flour on a plate. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a wide mixing bowl. Place half of the breadcrumbs on a flat plate.
Crumb Arancini balls in batches, firstly coating in the flour then dipping in the egg mixture and lastly rolling in crumbs to coat. Repeat the steps to make them extra crisp.
Pour oil into a wide-based saucepan to fill approx. 10cm deep. Heat to 180°C. Deep-fry the arancini in batches for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly dark golden. Remove them and drain on paper towel.
Serve arancini balls warm with mayonnaise and your favorite cocktail or mocktail.

Party, Special occasion, Appetizers, Italian food, Rice

The Story Behind Arancini

Arancini have been a beloved part of Sicilian cuisine for centuries, with their origins dating back to the Arab influence on the island. These golden, crispy rice balls are a testament to Italy’s rich culinary history, often enjoyed as a street food or festive treat.

Tips for Perfect Arancini

Allow the risotto to cool completely before shaping to help the balls hold their form. Double crumbing ensures a crispier coating and a satisfying crunch. Serve with a side of rich tomato sauce or aioli for extra flavor.