Supplì (Roman Rice Balls)

• 2 cups cooked Arborio rice, cooled
• 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Mix ½ cup marinara sauce into the cooled rice until well combined.
2. 2 Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it into your palm.
3. 3 Place a teaspoon of mozzarella in the center and wrap the rice around it, forming a ball.
4. 4 Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
5. 5 Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. 6 Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
7. 7 Fry the balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
8. 8 Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.
9. 9 Serve warm with remaining marinara sauce drizzled over and garnish with parsley if desired.

Equipment

• Deep skillet
• Candy or deep fry thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet lined with paper towels

Variations

• Add cooked peas or diced ham to the rice mixture for added flavor.
• Use provolone or fontina cheese for a different melty experience.

Substitutions

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier exterior.
• If you can't find Arborio rice, substitute with another short-grain rice.

Pairings

• A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a smoother coating, pulse your breadcrumbs in a food processor until fine.
• Keep the fried Supplì warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded Supplì on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cook time. Thawing is not necessary.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a classic Italian salad like Caprese.
• Serve alongside a hearty minestrone soup for a comforting meal.

FAQ