Arancini

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Classical Arancine

Arancine from Ragusa zone (South-Eastern Sicily)

Arancini are fried (or, less commonly, baked) rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to originate in Sicily. Arancini are usually filled with ragù (meat sauce), tomato sauce, mozzarella, and/or peas.

The main type of arancino sold in Italian cafes are arancini con ragù, which typically consist of meat, peas, rice and mozzarella. Many cafes also offer arancine con burro (arancine with butter), or specialty arancine, such as arancini con funghi (mushrooms) and arancini con melanzane (eggplant).

The name derives from the food's shape and color, which is reminiscent of an orange (the Italian word for orange is arancia, and in Sicilian, arancine means "little oranges"). Arancini is masculine plural, the singular is arancino (or in Sicilian arancinu).

There are a number of local variants that differ in filling and shape.

In Northern Italian cuisine, supplì are similar, but typically are larger, composed of leftover risotto, include fewer vegetables, and use gravy.

[edit] In popular culture

In Italian literature, Inspector Montalbano, the main character of Andrea Camilleri's novels, is a well-known lover of arancini and he has contributed to making this dish known outside of Italy.