Spinach Arancini

Arborio rice balls with spinach and Parmigiano-Reggiano and a cube of mozzarella cheese inside are rolled in seasoned panko bread crumbs, then deep fried until golden brown for an impressive and delicious appetizer.

• Preparation Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 161 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ¾ cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 cups Progresso® reduced sodium chicken broth, heated
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 24 (1/2 inch) cubes mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups Progresso® Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper. In 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in rice and wine; cook 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until liquid is absorbed. Add 1 cup broth; cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed. Add remaining 1 cup broth; cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed.

Step 2

Season with pepper. Stir in spinach, butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Spread onto cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm. (Mixture can be refrigerated overnight.)

Step 3

On cookie sheet, shape rice mixture into 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows to make 24 squares. Place 1 mozzarella cheese cube in center of each square; shape rice around cheese cubes to make balls.

Step 4

Place flour and bread crumbs in separate bowls. In another bowl, beat egg and water until blended. Coat each ball with flour, then dip into egg mixture and coat with bread crumbs. Place coated balls on unlined cookie sheet; refrigerate 30 minutes.

Step 5

Line platter or shallow pan with paper towels. In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches vegetable oil to 350 degrees F. Fry 8 balls at a time 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. With slotted spoon, remove balls from Dutch oven to towel-lined platter to drain. Serve hot.