ARANCINI, ITALIAN RICE BALLS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaf and sauté for about 3 minutes or just until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Stir in the rice.
• Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil then lower to a simmer.
• Cook the rice until tender and all the liquid has absorbed, for about 20 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Once the rice is cooked, transfer to a bowl and cool completely.
• When cooled stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg and egg yolk.
• Divide the mixture in 12 equal portions and place the portions on a small tray. Having these portions ready will make it easier to fill the rice balls.
• Keep a small bowl filled with water close by and from time to time moisten your hands for easy rolling of the rice balls. This step will greatly minimize any fuss and mess when rolling the balls. Trust me and you can thank me later!
• Combine the prosciutto and mozzarella together in a small bowl.
• With moistened hands, scoop up 1/4 cup of the rice mixture and cup it in one hand. Use your other hand to flatten it slightly while making an indentation. Place about a teaspoon of the mozzarella and prosciutto mixture in the middle. Close your hand, making a fist and gently roll into a ball. If needed, you can always add more rice.
• Place the rice ball on a greased cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining rice and filling to form 12 rice balls.
• Moisten your hands with water as often as needed for easy rolling. This will prevent the rice from sticking too much on your hands and you will be able to roll the rice balls effortlessly.
• Roll the rice balls, one at a time, first in the flour then in the egg whites and finely in the bread crumbs while turning to coat all over and place them back on a cookie sheet.
• Cover with plastic wrap and then chill for 30 minutes.
• In the meantime, line a cookie sheet with paper towels and place it next to your stove.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a dutch oven or a deep frying pan (the oil should measure about 2 inches deep), to 350*F. Use a deep frying thermometer for accuracy. Make sure there is enough oil in the pan to ensure they cook evenly and to avoid any from bursting.
• Use a wire skimmer or a large slotted spoon to gently lower the rice balls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd them.
• Fry the rice balls for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy all over. You can also keep them warm in the oven preheated to 200*F while you fry up the rest.
• When ready, remove with the wire skimmer or your slotted spoon and place them on the prepared cookie sheet to drain.
• Repeat with the remaining rice balls.
• Serve while hot alongside a crispy salad or wth your favourite tomato sauce.

ARANCINI WITH MARINARA SAUCE (AS SEEN ON MARTHA STEWART)

Steps:

• Place rice and 6 cups of water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low and cook, covered, stirring often, until water is completely absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside until completely cooled.
• Meanwhile, in a small skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
• Stir 3 eggs, one at a time, into cooled rice. Add Parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
• Fill a large bowl with water. Dip your hands into the water and then form rice mixture into a 2 1/2-inch ball. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat process until all of the rice has been used. Using 2 fingers, make an indentation in each ball. Fill each ball with 1 piece of mozzarella cheese and 1 piece of capicolla or proscuitto. Press together to enclose. If necessary, add more rice mixture to cover.
• Beat remaining 2 eggs in a medium bowl. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each rice ball first in egg mixture, and then in breadcrumbs to coat. Gently remold rice balls if they begin to loose their round shape. Return to parchment paper-lined baking sheet; set aside.
• Heat 5 inches of oil in a large Dutch-oven until it reaches 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Using a slotted spoon, gently lower one rice ball at a time into hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Cook rice balls, turning, until brown and crispy on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with marinara sauce (I have posted this!).