{"id":"arancini_4143ffbda6","slug":"traditional-italian-arancini","title":"Traditional Italian Arancini","description":"Crispy, golden-fried Sicilian rice balls stuffed with a savory beef and pea ragù and a melting mozzarella center.","serves":12,"time":{"prepMinutes":45,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":90,"activeMinutes":60},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g Arborio rice","name":"Arborio Rice","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"2 1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"Rice Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1.2 liters vegetable broth","name":"Vegetable Broth","quantity":1.2,"unit":"l","usQuantity":5,"usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"Rice Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 pinch saffron threads","name":"Saffron","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.125,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"threads","notes":"steeped in a little warm water","group":"Rice Base","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"50g unsalted butter","name":"Butter","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.75,"usUnit":"oz","form":"unsalted","notes":"","group":"Rice Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"100g grated Parmesan cheese","name":"Parmesan Cheese","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"grated","notes":"Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred","group":"Rice Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"200g ground beef","name":"Ground Beef","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":7,"usUnit":"oz","form":"","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1 small onion, finely chopped","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"finely chopped","notes":"small","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"50g frozen peas","name":"Peas","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.75,"usUnit":"oz","form":"frozen","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"100g tomato paste","name":"Tomato Paste","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"","notes":"diluted with a little water if too thick","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"100g mozzarella cheese, cubed","name":"Mozzarella Cheese","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"cubed","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-11","original":"150g all-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":150,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"Breading","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-12","original":"2 large eggs","name":"Egg","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"large","notes":"beaten","group":"Breading","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-13","original":"200g breadcrumbs","name":"Breadcrumbs","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"fine or panko","group":"Breading","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-14","original":"1 liter vegetable oil for frying","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"qt","form":"","notes":"for deep frying","group":"Frying","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and saffron. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18-20 minutes.","group":"Rice Preparation","title":"Bring the vegetable broth","timerMinutes":20,"sourceTitle":"Rice Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Remove the rice from heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Spread the rice out on a large tray to cool completely to room temperature, or refrigerate.","group":"Rice Preparation","title":"Remove the rice from heat","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Rice Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"While rice cools, prepare the filling. Sauté the onion in a pan with a little oil until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste and peas, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick, then let cool.","group":"Filling Preparation","title":"Prepare the filling","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Filling Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Take a handful of the cooled rice (about the size of a small orange) and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the ragù mixture and a cube of mozzarella in the center. Carefully fold the rice around the filling to form a tight, smooth ball.","group":"Assembly","title":"Take a handful of the cooled rice and flatten it","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.","group":"Assembly","title":"Prepare three bowls","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (177°C). Fry the arancini in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.","group":"Frying","title":"Heat the vegetable oil","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Frying"}],"notes":"For the best results, prepare the risotto the day before so it is completely cold and easy to shape. Use high-quality Arborio or Carnaroli rice for the perfect starchy texture.","cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Sicilian"]},"course":["appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["fry","boil"],"equipment":["Large pot","Large tray","Sauté pan","Deep fryer or deep pot","Paper towels"],"diet":[],"allergens":["wheat","milk","eggs"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":12,"unit":"piece","note":"Large arancini balls"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The rice and ragù can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. You can also shape and bread the balls several hours before frying."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the fridge.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as they will become soggy."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Farancini_4143ffbda6%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=301d7065-0a39-4ec5-b418-d7a0f6cf187e","imageAlt":"Traditional Italian Arancini — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["rice balls","italian","sicilian","fried","cheesy","street food"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Traditional Italian Arancini","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T08:04:25.177Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T08:04:25.177Z","related":[{"id":"aranciata_5fced7173d","slug":"aranciata","title":"Aranciata","description":"A classic, refreshing Italian sparkling orange drink made with fresh citrus juice and bubbly water for a perfect Mediterranean treat.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Faranciata_5fced7173d%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=0d7644b7-e740-4c80-847f-c9ce98958c2f","imageAlt":"Aranciata — recipe cover","tags":["orange","sparkling","refreshing","italian drink","citrus","homemade soda"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":4},{"id":"insalata_caprese_b4edfb134d","slug":"caprese-salad","title":"Insalata Caprese","description":"A classic Italian salad celebrating simplicity with fresh mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and aromatic basil, finished with extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["salad","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","low_carb","mediterranean"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Finsalata_caprese_b4edfb134d%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=6f19eab6-e00e-4db5-8f93-0ad07166b4c4","imageAlt":"Insalata Caprese — recipe cover","tags":["salad","fresh","italian","caprese","vegetarian","healthy","no-cook"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":4},{"id":"bruschetta_5751202c40","slug":"classic-italian-bruschetta","title":"Classic Italian Bruschetta","description":"A crisp and fresh Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","dairy_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fbruschetta_5751202c40%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=b346ed44-ac30-4f8b-9162-f10c053f655a","imageAlt":"Classic Italian Bruschetta — recipe cover","tags":["bruschetta","italian","tomato","appetizer","easy","fresh","vegetarian","vegan"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}