mushroom arancini recipe uk

What Are Mushroom Arancini?

Mushroom arancini are a creative twist on the traditional Italian rice ball snack, arancini. These bite-sized treats typically consist of cooked rice, filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat ragù, mozzarella, and peas, and then deep-fried until crispy. In this recipe, we're going to focus on a delicious mushroom-filled version, perfect for a quick and easy UK-inspired snack or appetizer.

The Magic of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a fantastic ingredient to work with, adding an earthy flavor and meaty texture to our arancini. For this recipe, we'll be using a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, which provide a rich, umami flavor. You can, of course, experiment with other varieties, such as porcini or oyster mushrooms, to create unique flavor profiles.

Mushroom Arancini Recipe UK-Style

To make these mouth-watering mushroom arancini, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups of mixed mushrooms (cremini and shiitake), cleaned and sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Breadcrumbs, for coating

Now, let's dive into the instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper.

2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice mixture, mushroom mixture, and lightly beaten egg. Mix well to combine.

6. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 arancini.

7. Roll each arancino in breadcrumbs to coat, gently pressing the crumbs onto the rice.

8. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 350°F, add the arancini in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

9. Fry the arancini until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

10. Serve the mushroom arancini hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations

For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the arancini in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere better to the rice.

Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to create unique flavor profiles.

Why not try adding some dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to give your arancini an extra boost of flavor?

These mushroom arancini are perfect for snacking on the go or as a delicious addition to your next dinner party. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they're sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!