100 g mozzarella (or fontina or provolone) cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
200 g (7 oz, 2 cups) all purpose flour (or more, as needed)
3 large eggs, beaten well
250 g (9 oz, 2 cups) breadcrumbs (or more, as needed)
Grated zest of 1 orange
salt & pepper for seasoning
Peanut (or other high-smoking point vegetable, such as canola or sunflower) oil, for frying
Optional:
steamed peas
chopped deli meats (salame, prosciutto, speck)
cooked meat
a few tablespoons of tomato sauce
Quick red onion marmellata (to serve)
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3-4 Tbps olive oil
Salt and pepper TT
½ Tbs Turbinado sugar
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
Steps
Step 1
Place about ¼ to ½ cup risotto in your palm (have wet hands) and use it to enclose a piece of mozzarella (and feel free to be creative with any other additions: see my optional suggestions), pushing into the center, then roll again to make sure the rice has surrounded it on all sides. Set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat until you have used up all the leftover risotto and cheese.
Create your breading station: line three dishes with flour, beaten egg (seasoned with salt and pepper) and bread crumbs.
Once all the balls have been rolled out, working one at a time, dip and roll the balls in the flour first, then in the beaten egg and turn to coat entirely. Lift and allow any excess egg to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs until completely combined. Again, shake off any excess and place back on the parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the risotto balls.
Place tray in fridge for 30-60 minutes. Line a large tray with paper towels. Heat 3-4 inches of the oil in a deep heavy-bottom pan or heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Remove risotto balls from the fridge. Fry the arancini no more than 3 to 4 at a time until golden brown, turning on each side, about 4 minutes in total. Remove with slotted spoon and place arancini to drain on tray lined with paper towels. Season again with sea salt. Serve hot or room temperature, with very cold beer or prosecco.
Quick red onion marmellata
Sauté the thinly sliced red onion in heated olive oil, add a pinch of salt, pepper, Turbinado sugar, and red wine vinegar. Slowly cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until they are translucent and caramelized, adding some water if needed.