Joanna Gaines Arancini Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Explore the unique flavors of Joanna Gaines' arancini recipe! Learn her secret twist on this Italian classic. A must-try culinary adventure!

Joanna Gaines Arancini

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Category: Appetizer
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 150 calories

Arancini is a classic Italian dish that consists of rice balls typically filled with ingredients like cheese, meat, peas, and sometimes saffron, all encased in a layer of breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown.

The name "arancini" is derived from the Italian word "arancia," which means "orange," due to their resemblance to small oranges when fried.

It is a beloved Italian comfort food and a popular appetizer in many Italian restaurants around the world. Joanna Gaines, known for her love of rustic and comforting recipes, have once featured her own twist on arancini on her show "Fixer Upper" and in her restaurant, Magnolia Table, as part of her exploration of comforting and delicious dishes.

Arancini's popularity stems from its delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a delightful snack or appetizer choice.

Recipe

Discover the art of crafting irresistible Italian arancini! Our step-by-step guide will have you creating crispy, cheesy delights in no time. 🇮🇹🍴 #AranciniRecipe #ItalianCuisine

Ingredients

2 cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
2 large eggs, beaten (for coating)

Method Instructions

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. Add the Arborio rice and cook according to the package instructions until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Remove the cooked rice from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
Take a small handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella and a few peas in the center, then encase the filling with the rice and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the rice mixture is used.
In one bowl, place the beaten eggs, and in another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Roll each arancini ball first in the beaten eggs and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the arancini in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry them in batches if necessary.
Remove the arancini with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the arancini hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade arancini!

Recipe Video

Joanna Gaines Arancini

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Recipe Tags: Joanna Gaines Arancini, Joanna Gaines Arancini Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Arancini are typically served hot and make for a delicious appetizer or snack. Here's how to serve them:

Plating: Arrange the arancini on a serving platter or individual plates. You can serve them as a single layer or stack them for a more visually appealing presentation.
Garnish: Consider garnishing the arancini with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top also adds extra flavor.
Sauce: Serve arancini with a dipping sauce for added flavor. Marinara sauce is a classic choice and pairs wonderfully with the crispy exterior and creamy interior of the arancini. You can also use a garlic aioli, pesto, or any other sauce you prefer.
Lemon Wedges: Some people enjoy a squeeze of lemon juice over their arancini for a tangy contrast to the richness of the dish. Place lemon wedges on the side for those who want to try it.
Warmth: Ensure that the arancini are served hot to maintain their crispy texture and gooey cheese filling. You can reheat them briefly in the oven if needed before serving.
Accompaniments: Arancini can be served on their own as an appetizer or accompanied by a salad or other side dishes for a more substantial meal.

Tips

Use Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is the preferred rice variety for arancini because it's starchy and creates a creamy texture when cooked. It's what gives the filling that delightful creaminess.
Cook the Rice Properly: When cooking the Arborio rice, make sure to follow the package instructions to achieve the right consistency. It should be tender but still slightly al dente.
Chill the Rice: After cooking the rice, let it cool slightly, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for a few hours or overnight. Chilled rice is easier to work with when forming the arancini balls.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cheese and any fillings you choose to include.
Season Well: Season the rice mixture generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in arancini.
Evenly Sized Balls: When forming the arancini balls, try to make them as evenly sized as possible. This ensures they cook uniformly.
Coating: Ensure that the arancini are thoroughly coated in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior. Double-coating them can result in an extra crunchy texture.
Oil Temperature: When frying, maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor it. Frying at the right temperature prevents the arancini from absorbing too much oil.
Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry the arancini in batches to maintain consistent heat and ensure they cook evenly.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the arancini on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
Serve Immediately: Arancini are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them as soon as they come out of the fryer for the ultimate taste and texture experience.
Get Creative: While the classic recipe involves a simple filling of cheese and peas, feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use ground meat, mushrooms, or other ingredients you enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutes

Rice Substitute: If you don't have Arborio rice, you can substitute it with other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or even sushi rice. While the texture may vary slightly, they will still work well.
Fillings: The filling options for arancini are quite versatile. You can use a variety of ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some alternatives include:
Cheese: Instead of mozzarella, you can use provolone, fontina, or another melting cheese.
Proteins: You can use cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage as a filling. Vegetarians can use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
Peas: If you don't have peas, you can use corn, chopped bell peppers, or any other vegetable you like.
Breadcrumbs: If you're out of breadcrumbs, you can make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor. Alternatively, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Egg Substitute: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can use egg substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed eggs. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Frying Oil: While vegetable oil is commonly used for frying, you can substitute it with canola oil, peanut oil, or another oil with a high smoke point.
Sauce: Marinara sauce is the classic dip for arancini, but you can experiment with other sauces like aioli, pesto, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.