Arancini

Arancini are Italian rice balls that are typically stuffed, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.

Arancini are Italian rice balls that are typically stuffed, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. They are a staple of Sicilian cuisine and are commonly filled with ingredients such as meat sauce, cheese, or peas. In Canada, arancini are commonly found in Italian and Sicilian restaurants, bakeries, and prepared-food sections in cities with large Italian communities.

Description

Arancini are rice-based snacks or meals made by stuffing cooked rice or risotto with savoury ingredients, forming them into balls, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them until crisp. They are a traditional Sicilian food.

Origins and regional tradition

Arancini are strongly associated with Sicily and are widely described as a staple of Sicilian cuisine. Regional naming varies in Sicily, with both arancini and arancine used.

Ingredients and preparation

Typical versions use rice or risotto, a filling such as ragù, mozzarella, cheese, or peas, and a breadcrumb coating before deep-frying. The finished dish is usually golden and crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Name and meaning

The name is linked to arancia, the Italian word for orange, and is commonly explained as meaning “little oranges,” a reference to the shape and colour of the cooked dish. The name arancini (or arancine in some regions) reflects this orange-like appearance.