Arancini Vegetarian Recipe: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Arancini are a beloved Italian street food, perfect for anyone who loves crispy, cheesy, and comforting bites. These golden-fried rice balls are usually stuffed with a mixture of meat, cheese, and peas, but today we’re putting a delicious vegetarian twist on this classic dish.

Using creamy risotto, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella, this arancini vegetarian recipe is perfect both as a snack or appetizer. It offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will delight vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a party, these arancini will impress with their crispy exterior and rich, savory filling.

With a little patience and some simple ingredients, you can create a fantastic homemade treat that’s much healthier and more flavorful than store-bought versions. Plus, this recipe is easily adaptable for vegans or those looking to add their own favorite veggies inside.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these irresistible vegetarian arancini!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with this vegetarian arancini recipe:

• Comfort food at its finest: Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, arancini are pure joy in every bite.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Packed with fresh vegetables and mozzarella, it’s a satisfying option for non-meat eaters.
• Great for leftovers: Use up leftover risotto or rice to create these tasty balls without waste.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, herbs, or cheeses to tailor the filling to your taste.
• Perfect for entertaining: These finger foods are crowd-pleasers and easy to serve at parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked risotto or Arborio rice (cooled)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet or tray
• Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable filling: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until softened and any liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and parsley. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Mix the rice base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled risotto or Arborio rice with the grated Parmesan and one beaten egg. Mix well until combined and sticky enough to hold shape.
4. Form the arancini balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of the rice mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.
5. Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center, then add a few cubes of mozzarella. Carefully mold the rice around the filling, forming a compact ball. Repeat with the remaining rice and filling.
6. Set up the breading station: Place the flour, remaining beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.
7. Roll each rice ball first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet.
8. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature if you have one.
9. Fry the arancini: Carefully lower a few balls into the hot oil at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
10. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried arancini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Serve warm: Enjoy your arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or pesto.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly crispy arancini, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the balls will absorb oil and become greasy.

• Use leftover risotto for a shortcut — this recipe is a great way to reduce food waste.
• Try different fillings like sautéed spinach and ricotta, roasted butternut squash, or sun-dried tomatoes with basil.
• For a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with vegan cheese and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Consider baking instead of frying for a healthier alternative; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
• If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or crushed red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Arancini are versatile and pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Serve them with a tangy marinara sauce or a fresh basil pesto for dipping.

A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and crispy arancini.

For a more substantial meal, try serving your arancini alongside a bowl of Italian minestrone or a light vegetable soup. These golden bites also make excellent snacks at parties or additions to a tapas-style spread.

For inspiration on side dishes, you might enjoy our Half Runner Beans Recipe or homemade breads like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe to round out your meal.

Conclusion

This arancini vegetarian recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Italian treat without meat. With crispy golden exteriors and a melty, flavorful filling, these rice balls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

They’re perfect for using up leftover risotto or experimenting with your favorite vegetable combinations.

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a cozy snack, or entertaining guests, these arancini deliver on taste and texture. Plus, they are easy enough for cooks of all skill levels to prepare at home.

For more tasty ideas to complement your arancini, be sure to check out our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for dessert or try your hand at the sweet and fluffy Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Enjoy making and sharing these fantastic vegetarian arancini — buon appetito!

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