Arancini di Riso al Ragù (Saffron Arancini with Ragù)

Arancini di Riso al Ragù (Saffron Arancini with Ragù)Recipe courtesy of Chef Carlo Cracco Yield: 4 servings For the Saffron Risotto: 240 grams Carnaroli rice 40 grams butter 1 shallot, finely chopped 1⁄2 cup white wine 11⁄2 liters water, for broth 120 grams grated cheese 2 grams ground saffron Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the Ragù: 500 grams pork 20 grams celery, finely chopped 20 grams onions, finely chopped 20 grams carrots, finely chopped 20 grams butter 1⁄2 cup red wine 1 clove garlic 1 Bay leaf 1 pinch nutmeg 1 kilogram peeled tomatoes Extra virgin olive oil Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the Arancini: 2 eggs, beaten Breadcrumbs 5 mozzarella di Bufala, cubed Canola Oil To prepare the saffron risotto: Place a deep-sided sauté pan on the stove over medium heat and add the butter with the finely chopped shallot. Cook the shallot until it is translucent and then add the rice. Toast the rice slightly and add the white wine. Let the rice simmer until the wine has evaporated. Add the saffron and gradually add in the hot broth. Continue cooking for about 15-17 minutes then remove the sauté pan from the heat and let it sit for a moment. Mix in the cheese and the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside and allow it to reach room temperature. To prepare the ragù: Place a sauté pan over high heat and add the olive oil, garlic and meat. When the meat begins to brown, add the red wine and simmer until it has evaporated. Once the meat is cooked through, remove the pan from the heat, drain the meat and set it aside. In another sauté pan, cook the minced celery, carrots and onion in the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the vegetables are translucent, add the bay leaf, nutmeg and the cooked meat. Continue mixing and add the peeled tomatoes and the meat jus, turn the heat down to low, and cook for at least 11⁄2 hours. Remove from the heat and allow the ragù to reach room temperature. To prepare the arancini: Add the saffron rice to the ragù and with your hands, form rounds out of the rice and ragù mixture. Insert a cube of mozzarella in the center of each ball and shape them into pear shaped spheres. Beat the eggs in a wide bowl and spread the breadcrumbs on a plate. Pass the arancini first in the egg bowl, coating them completely, and then in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere. Carefully place the breaded arancini in a sauté pan filled with canola oil and fry. Serve hot.
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