Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Cafe Bella›Arancini Riso Recipe

Arancini Riso Recipe

Inspired by Cafe Bella
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Flash fried balls of risotto, Italian sausage, ground beef, veal, pork & Italian cheeses on bed of marinara

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Ingredients

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Risotto Base

Filling

Breading

Marinara Sauce

For Frying

Method

Prepare Risotto Base

  1. 1

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

  2. 2

    Cook Rice

    Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for about 2 minutes, until slightly toasted. Add the white wine and stir until it is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Add Broth Gradually

    Gradually add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently until each cup is absorbed before adding the next. This should take about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.

  4. 4

    Finish Risotto

    Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Spread the risotto on a baking sheet and let it cool completely.

Prepare Filling

  1. 5

    Cook Meats

    In a skillet over medium heat, combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, ground veal, and ground pork. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

  2. 6

    Combine with Cheese

    Mix in the diced mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and combined. Let the mixture cool.

Assemble Arancini

  1. 7

    Form Balls

    Once the risotto is cool, take a handful and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese mixture in the center and mold the rice around it, forming a ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

  2. 8

    Coat the Balls

    Dredge each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

Make Marinara Sauce

  1. 9

    Sauté Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

  2. 10

    Combine Ingredients

    Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

Fry Arancini

  1. 11

    Heat Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 12

    Fry Balls

    Carefully add arancini balls to the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

  1. 13

    Plate and Serve

    Serve the arancini on a bed of marinara sauce. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

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