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Fried Stuffed Rice Balls

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Fried Stuffed Rice BallsRomulo Yanes

Mushroom and Mozzarella Arancini

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    30 min (not including making and chilling risotto)

  • Yield

    Makes 4 light lunch or dinner servings

Ingredients

3

cups chilled mushroom risotto

12

(1/2-inch) cubes mozzarella (about 1 oz total)

1

cup all-purpose flour

2

large eggs, lightly beaten

1

cup fine dry bread crumbs (not seasoned)

About 8 cups vegetable oil for frying

Special Equipment

a deep-fat thermometer

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Roll chilled risotto into 12 (1 1/2-inch) balls using wet hands. Poke a small hole in center of each ball and insert a cube of cheese, then re-form into a ball.

    Step 2

    Put flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Dredge 1 risotto ball in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge in bread crumbs and transfer to a sheet of wax paper. Repeat with remaining balls.

    Step 3

    Heat 1 1/2 to 2 inches oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot until thermometer registers 360°F. Working in batches of 4, lower rice balls into oil with a slotted spoon and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Return oil to 360°F between batches. 3Let balls stand 2 minutes (for cheese to melt).