Arancini (Italian fried rice balls)
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Arancini are golden, crispy fried rice balls originating from Sicily, Italy. They are typically made from risotto rice shaped into spheres or cones, stuffed with fillings like ragù, mozzarella, or peas, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until perfectly crunchy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These are a hearty, energy-dense food, being high in carbohydrates from the rice and breadcrumbs, and also significant in fat due to frying. A single medium arancino can provide around 300-400 calories, along with some protein from the cheese and meat fillings.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, they are a beloved street food and a clever way to transform leftover risotto into a new, portable meal. Their name, meaning 'little oranges,' comes from their round shape and golden-orange color after frying, which resembles the citrus fruit.