Arancini (risotto balls)

by Ed Halmagyi

Ingredients

  • 2 rashers bacon, diced
  • 1 white onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ bunch thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 125g Arborio rice
  • ½ cup sweet white wine
  • 375ml hot chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas, blanched
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt flakes and freshly-milled black pepper
  • ½ cup plain flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1 Sauté the bacon, onion, garlic and thyme in olive oil in a large saucepan over a moderate heat for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the rice and cook briefly.
2 Pour in the wine and simmer until absorbed, then add the stock one ladle at a time, cooking until absorbed before adding the next ladle. Stir in the peas and parmesan, season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
3 Form into walnut-sized balls then dust with flour. Dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot (180°C) vegetable oil for 2 minutes, until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper, then serve.