
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 small brown onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, crushed
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1 ½ cups Arborio rice
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1 teaspoon fine salt
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1/8 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
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3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves
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3 cups chicken stock (store-bought or homemade)
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2 teaspoons double-concentrated tomato paste
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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4 ounces mozzarella cheese
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 eggs
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2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
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2 cups grapeseed or vegetable oil, for frying

01
The risotto
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In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for about 1 minute until the rice becomes semi-translucent.
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Add the salt, pepper, parsley, chicken stock, tomato paste, and butter. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan. Spread the rice mixture onto a prepared baking sheet and let it cool for 10 minutes.
02
The breading
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While the rice is cooling, set up a breading station with three bowls, with flour and a pinch of salt and pepper, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs
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Line two shallow baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cut the mozzarella into 18-20 cubes, each about 1-2 cm in size. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.


03
Prepare arancini
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Once the rice has cooled enough to handle, form 18, 3 cm balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
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Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the centre of each rice ball, ensuring it is completely encased in the rice.
04
Fry the arancini
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Carefully dredge each rice ball in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the balls are coated.
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Heat 2 cups of oil in an saucepan to 175°C (350°F). Fry the rice balls in batches of 6, turning gently until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
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cool for around 5 minutes and enjoy
