Arancini with Calabrian Chili Aioli is a delicious, celebratory dish featuring crispy, golden fried balls of risotto filled with melted mozzarella. The risotto is infused with flavors of tomato, basil, and Parmesan, providing a rich base, while the spicy, garlicky aioli adds an extra layer of flavor. Perfect as an appetizer for a dinner party, this dish combines the comforting taste of traditional arancini with a modern twist from Calabrian chili peppers.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Calabrian Chili Aioli

• ¾ cup olive oil

• ½ cup neutral oil

• 4 garlic cloves

• 2 large egg yolks

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp cold water

• 2 tbsp DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers

• Kosher salt

Arancini

• 1 qt chicken (or vegetable) stock

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 cup DeLallo Arborio Rice

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup torn fresh basil leaves

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• ¼ lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 small cubes

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 ½ cups fine, plain breadcrumbs

• Neutral oil, for frying

Directions

Calabrian Chili Aioli

1. Combine both oils and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil gently bubbles, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes until garlic turns golden.

2. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool for 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and chill for another 20 minutes.

3. Add garlic to a food processor with egg yolks and lemon juice. Blend for 30 seconds. Slowly drizzle in the cooled oil, stopping halfway to add a teaspoon of cold water. Continue blending and adding the remaining oil and cold water.

4. Mix in the Calabrian chili peppers and season with salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Risotto

1. Warm the chicken stock in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and keep warm.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté the diced onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 1 minute.

3. Mix in tomato paste, then add stock one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more. Continue until the stock is used up (about 20-25 minutes).

4. Stir in remaining butter, Parmesan, basil, and lemon zest. Spread risotto on a parchment-lined sheet pan and chill for 1 hour.

Arancini

1. Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls, each seasoned with a pinch of salt.

2. Heat neutral oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F.

3. Using a 2-oz ice cream scoop, form 12 mounds of chilled risotto on a sheet pan. Flatten each mound and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Fold the risotto around the cheese and roll into tight balls.

4. Dredge each ball in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.

5. Fry in batches, turning until golden and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt and serve with the Calabrian chili aioli.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250–300 kcal

• Protein: 6–8 g

• Carbohydrates: 30–35 g

  • Fiber: 1–2 g

  • Sugars: 2–3 g

• Fat: 14–16 g

  • Saturated Fat: 3–4 g

• Cholesterol: 40–50 mg

• Sodium: 300–400 mg

• Calcium: 80–100 mg

• Iron: 1–2 mg

This estimate is for one arancini ball with a small amount of aioli. To get a more accurate value, specific ingredients and portions should be calculated based on the exact amounts and brands you use.

The Art of Arancini: A Crispy Delight

Arancini is a traditional Sicilian dish that takes leftover risotto and transforms it into a crunchy, savory bite. The secret to great arancini lies in the perfect balance between the crispy outer shell and the creamy, flavorful risotto filling. The use of Arborio rice, known for its creamy texture, is key to achieving that smooth and soft interior. What makes this version stand out is the filling, which incorporates fresh mozzarella, ensuring that when you bite into the golden crust, you get a gooey, cheesy center.

While classic arancini is typically served with a simple tomato sauce, this recipe pairs the risotto balls with a spicy, tangy Calabrian chili aioli. The aioli brings a bold, garlic-infused heat that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the risotto, adding complexity and depth to each bite.

Calabrian Chili Aioli: The Perfect Dip

A key component of this dish is the Calabrian chili aioli, which elevates the flavor profile to new heights. Calabrian chilies are known for their smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor, making them the perfect accompaniment to the creamy arancini. The aioli is made by infusing olive oil with garlic and blending it with egg yolks, lemon juice, and cold water to create a silky, creamy sauce. The addition of Calabrian chili peppers gives the aioli a mild heat that works harmoniously with the crispy risotto balls. The aioli’s smooth texture and spicy kick make it an irresistible dipping sauce that ties the entire dish together.

Risotto: The Base for the Arancini

The foundation of the arancini is a rich, flavorful risotto. In this recipe, the risotto is made with chicken or vegetable stock, which infuses the rice with savory depth. The onion and garlic sautéed in butter provide a base of sweetness and richness, while the tomato paste gives the risotto a subtle tang that balances the richness of the Parmesan and mozzarella. Fresh basil and lemon zest are stirred in at the end to brighten the dish, giving it a fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.

The risotto is allowed to chill before forming it into arancini balls, which helps the rice firm up and makes it easier to shape. The result is a dense yet creamy risotto ball that holds together perfectly when fried.

Frying Arancini to Perfection

The frying process is crucial in achieving the ideal arancini. The goal is a crispy, golden crust that contrasts with the soft, cheesy interior. To achieve this, the risotto balls are dredged in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying. This breading process helps to create a crunchy exterior that provides the perfect texture against the creamy filling. Frying in hot oil ensures that the balls cook quickly and evenly, turning golden brown in about five minutes. After frying, the arancini are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, leaving them perfectly crispy and light.

The Role of Mozzarella in Arancini

Mozzarella is the quintessential cheese for arancini. Its meltiness is unmatched, and when inserted into the center of each risotto ball, it creates that signature gooey texture that makes arancini so delicious. As the rice balls fry, the mozzarella melts into a creamy, cheesy core that oozes out when you take a bite. In this recipe, the mozzarella is cut into small cubes and placed in the center of each ball, ensuring that every bite is filled with delicious cheese.

The Versatility of Arancini

While this recipe features a spicy Calabrian chili aioli to accompany the arancini, the dish is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different fillings for the risotto balls, such as adding peas, mushrooms, or meat ragu. Additionally, while the aioli is made with Calabrian chilies, you could substitute with other spicy ingredients, like harissa or sriracha, depending on your preferences. The arancini can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces – from traditional marinara to a tangy yogurt-based sauce, the possibilities are endless. This versatility makes arancini a great option for different occasions, whether you’re preparing a celebratory dish or a casual weeknight meal.

A Dish for Any Occasion

Arancini with Calabrian Chili Aioli is a fantastic choice for both casual and formal gatherings. Its combination of crispy, cheesy risotto balls and spicy, garlicky aioli makes it a sure hit at dinner parties, cocktail gatherings, or family meals. The dish can be served as an appetizer, a side, or even a main course if you’re serving a larger portion. The bite-sized nature of the arancini makes them perfect for snacking, while the addition of the aioli elevates them to something truly special.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to try something new, these arancini are a great way to impress your guests with a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold, exciting flavors. The combination of creamy risotto, melty mozzarella, and the heat from the aioli ensures that this dish will be remembered long after the meal is finished.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

While arancini with Calabrian chili aioli is undoubtedly a rich and indulgent dish, it can still fit within a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving of arancini offers a reasonable amount of protein from the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, as well as a modest dose of healthy fats from the olive oil in the aioli. The dish provides a good amount of carbohydrates from the Arborio rice and breadcrumbs, making it a satisfying meal or appetizer.

However, like many fried foods, arancini are calorie-dense and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. To lighten the dish, you could bake the arancini instead of frying them, though this may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Pairing the arancini with a light salad or vegetable dish could help balance the richness of the fried risotto balls and make for a more well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Arancini with Calabrian Chili Aioli is a wonderful fusion of traditional Italian comfort food and bold, contemporary flavors. The crispy, golden exterior of the arancini holds a creamy, cheesy interior, while the spicy aioli adds an exciting layer of heat and complexity. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal dinner parties, and its versatility ensures it will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply love a good fried snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.