Spinach Arancini Recipe
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Spinach Arancini

By: NM Dawn 
"I used to live in Sicily, and these were a favorite of mine! 'Arancini' means 'Little Oranges' in Italian, named so because the little breaded rice balls resemble small oranges so much. While so many versions include only cheeses and meats, this version is a delightful combination of white cheese and spinach. We love it! This can be made the night or a couple of days ahead of time, and cooked at the last minute for a surprising treat for guests. I like to serve mine on a bed of fresh Radicchio. Some people enjoy dipping them into Marinara or sour cream based dips. Enjoy!"

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.7 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (11)

What to Drink?

Wine Pinot Grigio
Prep Time:
45 Min
Cook Time:
40 Min
Ready In:
5 Hrs 25 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 20 arancini
 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  •  
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
  •  
  • vegetable oil for deep frying

Directions

  1. Bring 4 cups chicken broth and saffron threads to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Stir in Arborio rice, return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, yet still a little firm, about 16 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook for one minute, then stir in garlic, and continue cooking until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in wine, spinach, and butter, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and fold in cooked rice and Parmesan cheese; cook a few minutes until the mixture is a little stiff. Spread onto a baking sheet, and cool in the refrigerator until completely cold, 4 hours to overnight.
  3. Once the rice mixture has cooled, form the arancini by enclosing a cube of mozzarella cheese in about 3 tablespoons of the rice to form a 1 inch ball; set aside. When you have finished making the balls, place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into separate, shallow bowls. One-by-one, gently roll the arancini in the flour to coat, then shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then roll in bread crumbs; set aside.
  4. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or electric skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  5. Deep fry the arancini 5 or 6 at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Be sure to roll the arancini around with a metal spoon as they cook so they are evenly browned on all sides. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot.

Footnotes

  • Editor's Note
  • The nutrition data for this recipe includes information for the full amount of the breading ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 617 | Total Fat: 27.2g | Cholesterol: 76mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2007 by vanessajbaca   view full review
Deelish! The only things I did differently were to omit the saffron (as I had none on hand)...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on May 27, 2010 by mommymeggy   view full review
Rather than fry such a lovely side dish, I baked these at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Worked...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 3, 2007 by sarakate   view full review
I made this for a potluck and it was a HIT! I fried them the night before, and then reheated...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 9, 2008 by sweet_cuppin_cakes   view full review
These are delicious! My husband told me to add this to the favorites list. I used Fontina...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2010 by Mallinda   view full review
While the taste of these was very good, they're very labor intensive and took a long time to...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2010 by cheepchick   view full review
For once, I followed the recipe exactly & I have to say, this was the best risotto I've ever...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2011 by jmpn   view full review
Fantastic recipe! I rolled in homemade bread crumbs and then baked. Obviously gave it a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2012 by LT0012   view full review
These were a big hit!
The reviewer gave this recipe 3 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 11, 2010 by Lisa   view full review
These tasted very good but were SO time consuming to make that I probably won't make them...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Mar. 10, 2010 by VIVNIDHI   view full review
Used leftover risotto but the technique worked well. Baked instead of frying.

 

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