Aracini with black rice ( Stuffed rice ball )

Black rice can be cook in various way and replacing other kinds of rice in different cuisines. The most popular recipe of India, Biryani can be cooked with black rice instead of white long grain rice to get the more earthy and nutty taste of the rice, which is a phenomenal change. Black rice is using now-a-days not just for a change in taste and texture but for healthy reasons too. In Italy, black rice is  known as Venus rice replacing Arborio or carnaroli in the Italian risottos. It will find in arancini too.

Stuffed rice balls usually filled with meat and tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas. There are a number of regional variants that differ in fillings and shape. An Italian rice ball usually made with white wine rissoto, and a gooey mozzarella center. I opted black rice which is grown only in North-eastern part of India, now its available in reputed Departmental store. Arancini with black rice is not only healthy but it  looks so tempting. Fantastic for lunch or dinner.  I have tasted variety of rice ball in many different regions, but this Arancini , I made with black rice , which will add colour with unique taste in your party as party starter.   

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup black rice

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 cup boiling water

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 egg, beaten

1 cup bread crumbs

1 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste
1 cup vegetable oil for deep frying.

Filling: 

 (i)   1/2 cup frozen peas / frozen corn /  chopped mushroom / cooked minced meat (your choice of filling)

 (ii) 200 gram mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes.

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, stirring it until onion is soft. Soak black rice in water for 3 - 4 hours and drain it.

Now add  black rice with onion, and stirring it for 2 minutes. Add hot water, salt and cook in pressure cooker for one whistle. When rice is cooked season with black pepper. Remove from the heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow to cool slightly

Mix the rice with an egg, make balls out of this mixture. Press a piece of mozzarella cheese and peas/corn/cooked minced meat into the center and roll it to enclose. In another bowl, whisk egg. 

 

Coat each ball lightly with flour, dip into whisked egg then roll in bread crumbs to coat. Heat oil n a skillet and fry the balls in small batches until evenly golden. Serve it with your  choice of dip.

 

Tips for party use:  For already fried, reheat in a preheated oven in 175 degrees C  for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not use microwave to reheat.