This delicious mushroom arancini recipe is perfect for parties and dinners. These appetisers can be made in bulk, are easy to make, and once served these savoury treats cannot disappear faster.
Ingredients
400g Button, Cup or Flat mushrooms
750ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbs olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup Arborio rice
60g parmesan, finely grated
1 cup finely grated mozzarella
1/2 cup basil leaves, shredded
1 cup plain flour
4 eggs, lightly whisked
200g packet panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, to serve
Method
Finely chop mushrooms by hand, or alternatively, pulse in a food processor until finely chopped
Heat 1 tbs oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for 8 minutes or until all moisture has evaporated
Bring stock to the boil in a medium saucepan. Heat remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook, for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in rice and cook, for 2 minutes or until grains look glassy. Stir in boiling stock. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes, for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and risotto thickened. Stir in mushrooms. Place into a heatproof bowl refrigerate until cold
Stir parmesan, mozzarella and basil into risotto, season. Roll 1 tbs chilled rice mixture into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. Coat balls, one at a time in flour, egg and then breadcrumbs. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm
Add enough oil in a large saucepan to reach a depth of 5cm. Heat oil over medium-high heat, deep-fry arancini balls 6-8 at a time in hot oil until golden. Using a slotted spoon transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Keep warm in a warm oven. Repeat in batches with remaining mixture, reheat oil between batches. Serve with lemon wedges
Tips & Hints
Traditionally used in Japanese cooking, panko bread crumbs are larger, lighter and crispier. Panko breadcrumbs are available in the Asian section of supermarkets, Asian and some independent greengrocers.
