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Stracchino Arancini with Pomodoro Sauce

Stracchino gives these arancini a more gooey texture (queue the perfect cheese pull), and thyme adds peppery-sweet balance to this fried Italian staple.

Ingredients
  

POMODORO SAUCE

  • 1 28- ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

ARANCINI

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 8 ounces stracchino
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • 4 cups canola oil
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 large eggs beaten

Instructions
 

POMODORO SAUCE

  • Puree tomatoes and chili flakes in a blender until smooth.
  • Warm olive oil in a medium saucepot over medium heat. Add oregano and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add pureed tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Cook on low until thickened, about 30 minutes, stirring often.

ARANCINI

  • Warm olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and shallot and cook for 3 minutes, or until translucent. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, or until slightly toasted. Add white wine, stirring often with a wooden spoon, and cook until evaporated. Add chicken stock 1⁄2 cup at a time. Wait until stock is almost completely absorbed into rice before adding more. Repeat until all stock is added.
  • Remove from heat and stir in stracchino, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour rice mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer. Place in refrigerator and chill for 1 hour, or until cold.
  • Heat oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Heat canola oil in a large pot to 350°F.
  • Add flour, panko, and beaten eggs to separate small bowls.
  • Divide rice mixture into 16 pieces and roll into balls. One ball at a time, toss in flour to coat. Gently pat to remove any excess. Transfer to eggs and evenly coat, then evenly coat with breadcrumbs.
  • In batches, using a slotted spoon or wire basket, carefully lower balls into hot oil and fry for 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from fryer and place on prepared baking sheet. Store in warmed oven while frying remaining balls. Serve with hot Pomodoro Sauce.