Arancini are large, deep-fried balls of rice stuffed with various fillings. If you’ve dined in modern Italian restaurants before, you would have noticed that arancini are often served as a starter, snack or side dish. It’s crispy on the outside and tasty on the inside. The flavour of the arancini depends on the
It’s a fun dish to have if you’re organising a house party and you’re looking for classy finger food that everyone will enjoy. If you do it right, it’s going to run out in just a couple of minutes, and your friends will adore you.
What is Crispy Rice Arancini
Crispy rice arancini is an Italian stuffed rice ball dish typically filled with a wide range of ingredients and served with dipping sauce. It is usually served with red tomato sauce or aioli. Common stuffings used to make the Crispy Rice Aranchi includes beef ragu or minced meat, mushroom, leek and mozzarella cheese.
The rice is often moulded into a ball, coated with eggs and bread crumbs before being deep-fried until it is crispy and golden. The name “arancini” is actually a derivative of the word orange as when it is cooked, it resembles a little orange.
The History of Crispy Rice Arancini
Crispy rice arancini originated in Sicily, Italy in the 10th century when Sicily was under the Arab rule. It is not known who precisely invented the dish, but when it was first created, it often had a sweet taste compared to the savoury flavours we are accustomed to today.
Back in the days, arancini were typically stuffed with ricotta, sugar, spices and milk. When tomato started gaining popularity in Italy, the ingredients shifted to savoury ingredients like the beef ragu as it made an excellent accompaniment to the traditional Italian tomato sauce.
In the 17th century, arancini became the traditional feast on Santa Lucia that is celebrated on 13th December in Palermo and Trapani. On this day, bread and pasta consumption are prohibited as the Italians remember the arrival of grain supply ship on Santa Lucia day in 1646, marking an end to the city’s famine issues.
Today, arancini are widely served in Italian restaurants around the world as sharing platters and starters.
The Health Benefit of Crispy Rice Arancini
Serving size of arancini which usually comprise of 2 balls, typically carries 210 calories and about 28 g of carbohydrate. Carbohydrate is needed to energise the body. The dish also contains 5 g of protein that is required in muscle building.
Crispy rice arancini with meat ragu typically have a higher content of protein because of the meat. Even better, crispy rice arancini is also a safe option for those who are allergic to gluten.
Where to get Crispy Rice Arancini in Malaysia
If you’re craving for this tasty crispy rice arancini, make your way to Positano Risto located at Publika and try their Arancini Balls with stuffed Mozarella for only RM34.95. It’s pretty impossible to deny the gooey mozzarella coming out of a Crispy Rice Aranchi, to be honest.
For more crispy rice arancini options, head to Neroteca in Bukit Damansara too. Choose between their Arancini Vegetarian or Arancini Ragu which is stuffed with minced pork bolognese. Similarly, you can also make your order via the foodpanda app and have the crispy rice arancini delivered to you instead.