Arancini Alla Zia Lina
Arancini Alla Zia Lina are crispy Italian rice balls filled with cheese, sausage, and peas, offering a flavorful, hearty snack or appetizer perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Provolone cheese, cut into small chunks ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- oregano and basil to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hot sausage, uncooked and out of casing ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 small can bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil rice in salted water and drain.
- Let rice set for several hours or overnight until very dry.
- Place rice in a bowl.
- Add 1 beaten egg, Romano cheese, and chopped parsley to the rice.
- Shape the rice mixture into flat cakes with an indentation in the center.
- Fill each cake with heated peas and sausage mixture and place 2 to 3 chunks of Provolone cheese on top.
- Carefully mold the rice around the filling to form balls, ensuring no stuffing seeps out.
- Beat 2 eggs with 1/2 cup milk in a shallow dish.
- Roll the rice balls in the beaten eggs mixture, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Fry the coated rice balls in hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use leftover risotto or day-old rice as it will hold its shape better. If you prefer, substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Season the filling with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve arancini hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or can be included in an Italian Pockets meal for a well-rounded dinner. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside an Easy Family Lasagna or Italian Sausage Brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arancini Alla Zia Lina contains roughly 867 calories, with 48g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2516mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make arancini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the arancini ahead of time. After shaping the balls and before frying, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of rice is best for arancini?
The best rice for arancini is Arborio rice, as its high starch content helps create a creamy texture when cooked. However, long grain rice can work in a pinch; just ensure it's cooked al dente so it holds together well when shaping the balls.
Can I bake arancini instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake arancini for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).