Arancini is Italian for little oranges, and rice balls, look a bit like oranges with the golden color they develop as they fry. Growing up in Brooklyn we ate a good quantity of rice balls. These were no delicate little treat- they were the size of a tennis ball (maybe bigger) and they were densely filled with rice (held together with a bit of parmesan and egg)-- Inside was a delicious center of meat and peas. You could order these "deluxe" in which case the rice ball would arrive cut in half and covered with sauce, ricotta, and shredded cheese. My brother always ordered (and continues to order) the deluxe. So thirty years later, this is my take on the rice balls of Avenue U. Also- can be made ahead and then frozen (after frying)- when you are ready to tote to a party, reheat frozen arancini at 375 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until hot - iuzzini

Share: