I try and vary the appetizers I serve at our wine tastings in Umbria to match the seasons, as well as to keep things interesting for myself but these rice balls always seem to remain one of the most popular items I make. I have made arancini di riso, or Sicilian rice balls, with a variety of different fillings over the years, but the one combination that always gets rave reviews is this simple blue cheese and mozzarella combination.

I added grated mozzarella to the gorgonzola to mellow the blue cheese just a bit, and to ensure the filling melts nicely when you cut into the rice ball. I’ve found the easiest way to assemble these rice balls is to mix together the gorgonzola and grated mozzarella and then shape the cheese into olive sized balls.

I take a small handful of rice, flatten it a bit in your palm, and then wrap it around the ball of cheese. These risotto balls make great party food, and you can even fry them 3-4 hours in advance, and then reheat them at 350 degrees F. just before serving, though they are always best immediately after they are fried.

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

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Arancini With Gorgonzola

Yield: Makes About 18

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Sicilian rice balls with a creamy cheese center.

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Ingredients

• 1 Recipe Basic Risotto Parmesan Left To Cool For At Least 4 Hours or Overnight
• 2 Ounces Gorgonzola Picante
• 2 Ounces Mozzarella, Grated
• 1 Cup All-purpose Flour
• 2 Eggs, Lightly Beaten with 2 Tablespoons Milk
• 3 Cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs
• Oil For Frying

Instructions

1. Combine the gorgonzola and mozzarella cheeses and mix with a fork to combine.
2. Take pinches of the cheese and shape into olive sized balls for the filling.
3. Take a small handful of rice about 2 tablespoons in your hands and shape into a shallow cup in the palm of your hand.
4. Place in the cup, one of the cheese balls, then enclose the rice around the cheese, and roll into a round ball.
5. Set out three shallow bowls, one with flour, one with the egg mixture, and one with the breadcrumbs.
6. First roll the balls in the flour, then coat with the egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumbs.
7. Set the coated rice balls on a baking sheet when they are completed.
8. Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer until a frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
9. Carefully slip 3 to 4 balls into the hot oil at a time, and fry until golden brown.
10. Drain on absorbent towels, and keep warm until you are ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 3 balls
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 488Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 1294mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 20g

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