Mini prosciutto and pine nut arancini balls

Savor the delightful crunch of Mini Prosciutto and Pine Nut Arancini Balls! This irresistible appetizer combines tender white rice and creamy chicken gravy with rich prosciutto and nutty pine nuts. Enhanced by grated parmesan, and perfectly seasoned, these bite-sized arancini are coated in a crispy breadcrumb shell, making every bite a flavorful experience. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!

  • 29 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 40 min
  • Prep time 80 min
  • 20 Servings
  • 11 Ingredients

Mini prosciutto and pine nut arancini balls

Mini prosciutto and pine nut arancini balls are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian snack. These bite-sized treats combine the savory flavors of prosciutto and parmesan cheese with the nutty crunch of pine nuts, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or even an indulgent snack, these arancini balls are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup white rice
50g
4 cups chicken gravy
800g
2 tbsp butter
30g
1 onion
160g
1/2 cup pine nuts
80g
3 slices prosciutto
50g
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
60g
3 eggs
150g
1 dash salt
1g
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
120g
1/2 cup bread crumbs
44g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of chicken gravy to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
2. Sauté Onions and Pine Nuts:
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the pine nuts and continue to cook until the nuts are lightly toasted and the onions are golden brown, about another 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and pine nuts, prosciutto, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 beaten egg.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with a dash of salt.
4. Shape the Arancini Balls:
- Take a small amount of the rice mixture (about a tablespoon) and shape it into a small ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
5. Coat the Arancini Balls:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the remaining 2 beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
- Roll each rice ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with bread crumbs. Make sure each ball is thoroughly coated.
6. Fry the Arancini Balls:
- In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower a few arancini balls at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked arancini balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve:
- Serve the arancini balls warm, with the remaining chicken gravy heated and used as a dipping sauce, if desired.

Tips:

- Use cold, leftover rice for better consistency when forming the arancini balls.

- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the mixture to enhance their flavor.

- Chop the prosciutto finely to ensure it's well distributed throughout the rice mixture.

- When shaping the arancini balls, wet your hands slightly to prevent the rice from sticking.

- For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the arancini in egg and breadcrumbs before frying.

- Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) when frying to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning.

- Drain the arancini on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil.

There you have it! A delectable recipe for mini prosciutto and pine nut arancini balls that's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, these tiny treats are undoubtedly worth the effort. Enjoy them hot and crispy, and don't be surprised if they disappear quickly!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size80 grams
Energy
Calories 130kcal6%
Protein
Protein 4.49g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 12g3%
Fiber 0.66g2%
Sugar 0.91g1%
Fat
Fat 7g8%
Saturated 1.89g6%
Cholesterol 40mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 33ug4%
Choline 30mg6%
Vitamin B1 0.09mg7%
Vitamin B2 0.08mg7%
Vitamin B3 0.65mg4%
Vitamin B6 0.05mg3%
Vitamin B9 18ug5%
Vitamin B12 0.12ug5%
Vitamin C 0.69mg1%
Vitamin E 0.52mg3%
Vitamin K 2.78ug2%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 44mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.09mg10%
Iron, Fe 0.71mg6%
Magnesium, Mg 18mg4%
Phosphorus, P 80mg7%
Potassium, K 99mg3%
Selenium, Se 6ug10%
Sodium, Na 250mg17%
Zinc, Zn 0.66mg6%
Water
Water 50g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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