Delicious Rice Ball Recipe: Cheese and Pepperoni Delight

Rice balls, also known as arancini, are a delightful Italian treat that combines the goodness of rice, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients. In this recipe, we’re going to make cheesy and pepperoni-filled rice balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. These little delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• Arborio rice – 2 cups
• Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
• Parmesan cheese, grated – 1 cup
• Mozzarella cheese, diced – 1 cup
• Pepperoni slices, chopped – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2, beaten
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Breadcrumbs – 2 cups
• Milk – 1/2 cup
• Olive oil – 1/4 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Let the rice cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, diced Mozzarella cheese, and chopped pepperoni slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Rice Balls: Take a small handful of the rice mixture and form it into a ball. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and place a small piece of Mozzarella cheese in the center. Enclose the cheese with the rice mixture and shape it into a ball again. Repeat this process until all the rice mixture is used up.
4. Coat the Rice Balls: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, ensuring each ball is evenly coated.
5. Fry the Rice Balls: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the coated rice balls to the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the fried rice balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy rice balls hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• You can customize the filling of the rice balls according to your preference. Try adding cooked ground sausage, diced ham, or even chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• For extra flavor, you can incorporate herbs and spices into the rice mixture. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes would work wonderfully.
• If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the rice balls instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Q: Can I make the rice balls ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the rice balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply fry or bake them as instructed in the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze the rice balls? A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked rice balls for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese would work well in this recipe.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions: For a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make a few simple substitutions:

• Replace the Arborio rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for coating the rice balls.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal for a keto-friendly coating.
• Choose sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own keto-friendly tomato sauce to serve with the rice balls.

These cheesy and pepperoni-filled rice balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty snack for yourself. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful interior, they’re hard to resist. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving something delicious, give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Italy in every bite!