Arancini Balls Recipe
Smoked mozzarella & marinara.
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Ingredients
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Arancini Balls
Marinara Sauce
Method
Arancini Balls
- 1
Prepare the Risotto
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer. In another large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 2
Cook the Rice
Add the Arborio rice to the onion and garlic mixture, stirring for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Gradually add the simmering broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
- 3
Add Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cool completely.
- 4
Form the Balls
Once cooled, take a small handful of the risotto mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of smoked mozzarella in the center, then encase it with the risotto, rolling it into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- 5
- 6
Marinara Sauce
- 7
- 8
Add Tomatoes and Season
Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the saucepan along with the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 9
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 10
Finish with Basil
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Keep warm until ready to serve with arancini.
