Crispy Porcini Arancini with a Ham Surprise

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Christmas lunch isn’t complete without a show-stopping starter, and our Porcini Arancini Stuffed with Ham is sure to impress! Crispy on the outside, with a golden, gooey ham-and-cheese center, these little bites are bursting with the rich, earthy flavor of porcini mushrooms. What’s not to love? 

The best part? You can prep the risotto the day before, then roll and fry the arancini just before serving – a perfect make-ahead dish for a stress-free holiday. These crispy delights also make an excellent use of your Christmas leftovers – turn that leftover ham (or turkey) into a crowd-pleasing snack for Boxing Day.

While this may be a little labor of love, believe me, it’s totally worth it! Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking for an impressive dish to share, these arancini are sure to be the star of the show.

While this makes the perfect Christmas lunch entrée, it’s so delicious that you’ll want to cook it any time of the year!

SERVES: 8 MAKES: 34 Arancini PREP TIME: 15 min COOKING TIME: 40 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet of our Tuscan Risotto
  • 1.5l hot water
  • 1/3 cup of white wine
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 2 tbs butter
  • Parmesan to taste
  • 200g ham, diced into 1 cm cubes
  • 100g cherry bocconcini, cut into quarters
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain flour
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • vegetable oil for frying

Method:

1. In a 30 cm saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the contents of the packet and fry for 1 minute.

3. Add 1/3 cup of white wine, stirring constantly until the wine has evaporated.

4. Then, add 1/2 cup of water and continue stirring until it evaporates. Repeat this process, adding 1/2 cup of water as needed.

5. As soon as the rice is al dente, stir in butter and Parmesan to taste. Allow to cool. Cover and transfer to refrigerator for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.

6. Place flour in one bowl, lightly beaten eggs in another, and panko in a third shallow bowl.

7. Measure out a level, packed ice cream scoop of rice and roll it into a ball.

8. Roll in flour, then dredge in egg mixture, then coat in panko, pressing to coat. Repeat with remaining rice.

9. In a medium saucepan, pour in 2.5cm depth of oil and heat over medium high heat.

10. Toss in a breadcrumb and if it starts sizzling immediately, the oil is hot enough.

11. Carefully transfer a few balls into the hot oil, using a spoon. Turn frequently so they cook golden evenly, and when they are a deep golden brown, remove onto a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining balls.

12. Serve with marinara sauce, and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh thyme and Parmesan, if desired.

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