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The Sicilians claim that arancini originated on their island, but other Italian regions totally disagree! Whoever invented it did a great job with these little morsels of risotto rice and a variety of fillings. We have kept the simple version, but you can stuff the balls with meat, bolognaise, ham and cheese, mushroom, almost anything! If you have made a risotto, this is a great way to use up any leftovers.

Makes: 16-20 balls
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

9 oz risotto or arborio rice
1 onion, very finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
1 oz fresh Parmesan, grated
5 oz white wine
20 oz Vegetable Stock
16-20 tiny mozzarella balls (sometimes called Mozzarella Pearls)
5 oz all purpose flour
2 medium eggs, beaten
4 oz dried breadcrumbs (we actually used panko)
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 small jar of sundried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped

METHOD:

Using a little olive oil, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic to a pan and cook for 2 minutes or so until soft.

Put the risotto rice into the pan and cook for a further 2 minutes to coat the grains before adding the white wine.

Wait until the wine has been absorbed by the rice then add some of the stock. Stir to distribute, then repeat the process every time the wine is absorbed.

Once the risotto has achieved the right level of tenderness (you don’t want it to be slushy) put to one side to allow it to cool.

Heat a deep-fat fryer to 340°F/170°C/Gas Mark 4 (or whatever temperature you normally use).

In the meantime, take a palmful of the rice and gently place some chopped sundried tomatoes and the mozzarella pearl into the center. Roll into a ball. Repeat this with the remaining risotto.

Roll the balls in flour, then egg and then breadcrumbs, until all balls are coated.

Drop into the hot oil in batches. Make sure you have kitchen paper to hand to drain the balls of excess oil.

Serve with a side salad or leaf salad and a tomato dip.