Marras Fried Tomato And Mozzarella Arancini Recipes

Steps:

• First of all put the olive oil in a heavy saucepan on medium heat and add onion and garlic until softened. then add rice coating it in oil.
• Put 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce in a measuring cup and slowly add a quarter cup, stirring constantly until absorbed, then add another quarter cup until done. This is a bit of a slow process, you want the rice to absorb the sauce before adding more. It is important to continuously stir, like any risotto or the bottom will burn. Once this is done, then add a 1/2c of water/tomato sauce mix, until absorbed, taste and add more if necessary. Until you get nice tender rice.
• Set aside to cool.
• Set up breading station, with a bowl for the 2 eggs, whisk, a bowl for bread crumbs and a bowl for flour.
• Take a small handful with wet hands of the cooled risotto, and make a dent. put 1 cube of mozzarella in it and cover it in a circle. I admit i put large amts of mozzarella in lol. Dredge in flour, then egg and then bread crumbs. My own preference is to dredge them again in egg and breadcrumbs but that is up to you.
• Make all your arancini (means small oranges) and heat the canola or other frying oil to medium high in a skillet. Place the balls in batches, turning as each side browns. Remove and drain.
• You will hear and see a few "leaking" cheese very quickly. I take those out sooner and after draining give it 15 seconds in the microwave before serving so they totally melt the cheese without it disappearing where I can't eat it into the oil.

Steps:

• Prepare the risotto: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium. Add onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice until coated, about 1 minute, then add wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed, about 1 minute.
• Stir in 1/2 cup stock. Cook, stirring frequently, until stock is almost absorbed, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining stock, adding 1/2 cup at a time and stirring until absorbed before adding the next cup, about 15 minutes.
• Once all the stock has been absorbed - the rice should be tender but still slightly toothsome and the risotto creamy - stir in the Parmesan, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out in an even layer and let cool, at least 20 minutes. Cover tightly in plastic wrap (or transfer to a lidded container) and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 or 3 days.
• Once the risotto is chilled, slice it into about 24 even portions. Working with one at a time, gently roll each into a ball, then press between your palms to flatten slightly. Press one cube of mozzarella into the center and shape the risotto up and over it, sealing the cheese in the center. Roll the ball in your palms until round. Repeat with remaining risotto balls. (If you're not planning to fry them right away, arrange them on a small baking sheet in a single layer, cover and refrigerate until cooking, up to 2 or 3 days in advance. If the risotto mixture isn't cold, it can fall apart in the hot oil.)
• In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. (If you have a candy thermometer, now is a good time to use it: Heat the oil to about 350 degrees.)
• Prepare the breading: Add the flour to a shallow bowl, then add the eggs to another shallow bowl and beat the eggs to combine. In a third bowl, combine the panko and Italian seasoning, if using, with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
• Working with one arancini, roll it first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, then in the panko, taking care to coat it on all sides with each roll. Transfer to a clean baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining arancini.
• Fry the arancini in batches, leaving at least one inch between each ball, until golden and crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes. (By the time the crust crisps, the cheese filling will melt.) Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining arancini. (If the crust is cooking to quickly, you can turn off the heat momentarily and continue to cook in the oil, which will maintain residual heat. Turn the stove back on if needed.)
• Spoon warmed tomato sauce onto small plates or into bowls and top with warm arancini, or set sauce in a bowl for dipping and arrange arancini on a serving platter. Sprinkle arancini with finely grated Parmesan and more parsley, if desired.