The traditional Italian risotto ball gets a holiday makeover with Cranberry & Brie Arancini. The dish is made with creamy arborio rice, cooled, then moulded around pieces of gooey brie and tart cranberry relish. These arancini, which are fried till golden and coated in breadcrumbs, have a delightful crunchy outside and sweet–tart cranberry flavours. Ideal for festive appetiser platters or lavish Christmas parties.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 cupArborio rice
3 cupsVegetable stock
1 smallOnion (finely chopped)
2 clovesGarlic cloves (minced)
2 tbspOlive oil
1 tbspButter
¼ cupParmesan, grated
to tasteSalt & pepper
150gBrie cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cupCranberry relish
For Coating:
½ cupFlour
2Eggs
1 cupBread crumbs
for deep fryingOil
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Cook Risotto
Sauté the garlic and onion in a skillet with some butter and oil. Add the rice and slowly add the vegetable stock, stirring until it is absorbed by the rice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with Parmesan.
Description - Step 2
Chill Mixture
Spread the risotto on a tray and then leave it in the refrigerator until it has set. This helps with the shaping process.
Description - Step 3
Shape Arancini
Take a spoonful of cooled risotto. Make it flat in your palms. At the heart, set a cube of Brie and a little dollop of the cranberry mixture. Roll the risotto tightly around the filling to seal it.
Description - Step 4
Coat and Fry Balls
In a mixing pot, toss some flour, whisk the eggs, and then roll in breadcrumbs. Cook the arancini in batches in oil until they are crisp and brown. Drain the excess oil on paper towels.
Description - Step 5
Serve Hot
Serve hot to enjoy the molten brie centre with cranberry sweetness.