Arancini

Even though it’s been a few days since I came back home from the seaside it’s like I’m still there. The perfect blue sky without a cloud in sight, and a golden sun waking me up every morning. Even the wind in the cold streets of Zagreb reminds me of a light salty breeze coming from the sea. The stay was short this time, but in months to come I’m moving there for a few weeks. The sea will be warmer then, so I can spend days swimming and enjoying the sun.

Now back in Zagreb, it’s colder than in winter, even snow is falling in some parts of the city. It’s mid April people are wearing winter jackets and scarfs, it’s funny when you stumble upon someone braver than others shaking in the wind thinking he or she can go out in a T-shirt. If only I could close my eyes and when I open them I could see pebbles dancing in the crystal water.

Arancini or fried rice balls can be a great lunch idea, especially with Mozzarella cheese they’re so delicious. I love them dipped in tartar sauce or tzatziki sauce with their crispy shell and soft combination of rice, herbs and Mozzarella cheese. Hope you like the recipe, any feedback is welcomed!

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Preparation: 25 min

Cook time: 25 min

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• 150 g rice
• 100 g onion, finely chopped
• 200 g Mozzarella cheese
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 20 g butter
• 50 ml cooking cream
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp dill
• 1 tsp oregano
• 40 g flour
• 100 g bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp chili pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp sesame
• salt & pepper to season
• oil

How to

1. In a medium sauce pan heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped onion, then garlic and rice and let it simmer for a bit. Stir in salt, dill, oregano. Pour 350 – 400 ml of water and let it cook.
2. When all the water evaporates add cooking cream and butter and let it cook for a few minutes. Leave it so it cools down to room temperature.
3. Using your hands form rice balls with a Mozzarella cheese ball on the inside.
4. Beat eggs and milk in one bowl, place bread crumbs, sesame and chili pepper flakes in another bowl and flour in a third bowl. First cover the rice balls in flour, then dip them in egg and milk mixture and finish by rolling them in bread crumbs, sesame and chili flakes.
5. Fry the Arancini in hot oil. I would recommend serving them with tartar sauce. Enjoy!