Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPiccolina ToscanaArancini Recipe

Arancini Recipe

Inspired by Piccolina Toscana
Time1h
Serves4

flash-fried risotto balls filled with gorgonzola and fig compote and cream

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Ingredients

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Risotto

Cream Sauce (Optional)

Method

Prepare the Risotto

  1. 1

    Cook the Aromatics

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Toast the Rice

    Add Arborio rice to the saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

  3. 3

    Add Broth Gradually

    Begin adding chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Repeat until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Finish the Risotto

    Remove the risotto from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let it cool slightly.

Make the Filling

  1. 5

    Combine Filling Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and fig compote until well combined. Set aside.

Form the Arancini

  1. 6

    Shape the Balls

    Once the risotto has cooled enough to handle, take a small amount in your hand, flatten it, and place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center. Mold the rice around the filling to form a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all risotto is used.

Breading and Frying

  1. 7

    Prepare for Breading

    Set up a breading station with one bowl of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs, and one bowl of breadcrumbs.

  2. 8

    Bread the Arancini

    Roll each risotto ball in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.

  3. 9

    Heat Oil

    In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  4. 10

    Fry the Arancini

    Carefully add the breaded risotto balls to the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare Cream Sauce (Optional)

  1. 11

    Make the Cream Sauce

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat heavy cream until warmed. Stir in chopped parsley and salt to taste. Serve drizzled over arancini.

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