ARANCINI WITH SAFFRON AIOLI

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
2 tbsp (30 ml) + ½ cup (125 ml) olive oil, divided
½ yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups (2 L) chicken stock
2 cups (500 ml) Arborio rice
½ cup (125 ml) dry white wine
1 cup (250 ml) grated Parmesan
1 cup (250 ml) grated mozzarella
salt and pepper, to taste
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 pinch of saffron
2 eggs
2 cups (500 ml) bread crumbs, divided
4 cups (1 L) oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. While onions are cooking, heat chicken stock in a large saucepan. Add rice to onions and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, then add wine to deglaze.
  2. Add warmed chicken stock 2 cups (500 ml) at a time, adding more only once liquid has been absorbed. Once 6 cups (1.5 L) of liquid has been added, taste rice. If still a little crunchy, add more stock, 1 cup (250 ml) at a time until rice is al dente (it should be less runny than risotto).
  3. Once rice is cooked, stir in Parmesan and mozzarella. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place in a shallow container and refrigerate.
  4. To make Saffron Aioli, in a small blender, add egg yolks, lemon juice and mustard. Blend on high for 1 minute. Turn blender down to medium and slowly add ½ cup (125 ml) olive oil. It should thicken quickly. Once a mayonnaise consistency has been achieved, add saffron, and season to taste. Pulse until bright yellow, about 30 seconds. Can keep up to 1 week refrigerated.
  5. Once rice has cooled, remove from fridge and add 2 eggs and 1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs. Mix and form into golf ball-sized rounds. In a separate small bowl, add remaining bread crumbs. Roll each round in breadcrumbs, to coat.
  6. In a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, heat frying oil. Once oil starts to ripple, fry arancini in small batches until golden brown, about 8 minutes each. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Serve warm with Saffron Aioli.
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