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Bobby Flay’s top tip for turning risotto into arancini
Bobby Flay, the renowned chef and television personality, has shared his top tip for turning leftover risotto into delicious arancini. Arancini, also known as Sicilian rice balls, are a popular Italian street food. They are typically made with short-grain risotto rice and stuffed with meat or cheese, then deep-fried until golden brown. Flay’s method ensures that the arancini are perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
The inspiration behind Flay’s tip
Flay’s tip was featured in a recipe video on Misfits Market’s blog and social media channels. Misfits Market is a food delivery service that aims to reduce food waste by rescuing imperfect-looking produce and other food that would otherwise go to waste. As Misfits Market’s chef-in-residence, Flay regularly shares recipes and tips for using the ingredients in the company’s deliveries. In this particular video, Flay demonstrates how to turn leftover cacio e pepe risotto into delicious arancini.
The Key Step: Chilling the Risotto
According to Flay, the key to successful arancini is to chill the risotto thoroughly before forming it into balls. After making the risotto, Flay recommends spreading it out evenly on a sheet pan and chilling it overnight. Chilling the risotto allows it to firm up and become starchy, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
Flay’s Top Tip: The Perfect Temperature for Cooking Oil
One of Flay’s top tips for achieving perfect arancini is to maintain the right cooking oil temperature. Flay advises that the cooking oil should be heated to about 335 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature keeps the arancini from absorbing too much oil, which can happen if the oil is too cold. It also prevents the outside of the arancini from burning before the cheese inside has a chance to melt, which can happen if the oil is too hot.
Preparing the Arancini
Once the chilled risotto is ready, Flay forms golf ball-sized portions of rice and fills them with fresh mozzarella. He then rolls the rice into balls and coats them in a mixture of seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. The arancini are then ready to be fried.
Alternative cooking method: Air frying
For those looking for a healthier alternative to frying, Misfits Market suggests air frying the arancini instead. They recommend setting the fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the arancini for about 10 minutes. This method can produce crispy and flavorful arancini with less oil.
Finishing touches and serving suggestions
To complete the dish, Flay serves the cooked arancini with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. However, he also mentions that any favorite jarred sauce can be used as a dipping sauce. The arancini are typically served as an appetizer or snack, and Flay suggests arranging them on a plate and garnishing with a sprinkling of parsley for added freshness.
Bottom line
Bobby Flay’s top tip for turning leftover risotto into arancini is a fantastic way to transform a classic Italian dish into a crunchy and flavorful treat. By chilling the risotto and maintaining the right cooking oil temperature, you can create arancini that are golden brown on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside. Whether you deep fry or air fry, these rice balls make a delicious appetizer or snack that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
FAQS
What are arancini?
Arancini are Sicilian rice balls typically made with short-grain risotto rice. They are stuffed with meat or cheese and deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
What is the key step in turning risotto into arancini?
The key step is to chill the risotto thoroughly before forming into balls. This helps the risotto firm up and become starchy, making it easier to handle and shape into arancini.
Why is it important to keep your cooking oil at the right temperature?
Maintaining the correct cooking oil temperature is critical to making perfect arancini. If the oil is too cold, the arancini may absorb excess oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the arancini may burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt.
Can I air fry the arancini instead of deep frying them?
Yes, you can air fry the arancini for a healthier alternative to deep frying. Set your fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the arancini for about 10 minutes for crispy results.
What can I serve with arancini?
Arancini can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Bobby Flay suggests a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, but you can also use your favorite jarred sauce. Arancini make a delicious appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.