Crispy Mozzarella Arancini with Marinara
Golden fried rice balls with melted mozzarella centers, served with warm marinara. A Roman classic that looks fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Total time
- 28 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 512
- Protein
- 18g
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups risotto rice (arborio or carnaroli)
- 3.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, divided
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 whole egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- 1
Heat broth in a small pot over medium until steaming, then reduce to low and keep warm.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a wide skillet over medium. Add rice and stir until coated, ~2 minutes.
- 3
Add 1 cup warm broth to rice. Stir constantly until liquid is absorbed, ~3 minutes. Repeat with remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, until rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite, ~15 minutes total.
- 4
Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spread on a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
- 5
Mix flour and egg in one bowl. Form rice into 8 balls, pressing a mozzarella cube into the center of each. Roll each in flour-egg mixture, coating fully.
- 6
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high until shimmering, ~90 seconds. Fry arancini in batches, turning occasionally, until golden all over, ~6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- 7
Warm marinara in microwave or small pot. Serve arancini hot alongside marinara for dipping.
Tools you’ll need
- small saucepan
- wide skillet (12-inch or larger)
- wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- two small bowls
- paper towels
- slotted spoon or spider strainer
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