What is Arancini?

How to Pronounce Arancini

Let’s get the most important thing out of the way first: how to pronounce arancini. In Italian, a lot of words with c in them are actually pronounced ch – like ciao or concerto. Arancini is one of those words, so it’s pronounced like “ar-an-chee-nee,” with emphasis on the “chee” and a rolled “r” if you want to sound authentically Italian!

Arancini Filling and Preparation

Like most Italian dishes, there’s no one single way to make arancini. It dates all the way back to the 10th century, so there’s obviously been a lot of time for it to change and evolve. There are a few staples of arancini, however, that remain the same no matter where you eat it or what recipe you use. Arancini is always rice-based, rather than using something like pasta, and is always prepared by breading and deep-frying the rice balls. 

Other than that, there’s a lot of variety when it comes to preparing arancini, particularly in regards to the filling. Here are some of the most popular things you’ll find inside one of these Italian rice balls:

• Meat
• Tomato sauce
• Bechamel sauce
• Cheese – mozzarella or parmesan are particularly popular
• Pine nuts or pistachios
• Mincemeat (dried fruit and spices)
• Mushrooms, peas, or eggplant
• Herbs such as parsley or rosemary

Head to Salerno’s Pizza For Arancini and More!

Salerno’s Pizza is the place to go for arancini and much more! Contact the restaurant or stop by our locations near Oak Park and Bolingbrook to try everything for yourself. We’re also available for private events and catering.