Ham, Tomato Pesto and Bocconcini Arancini Balls

Serves: 10 | Preparation Time: 45 mins | Cooking Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
200g Tasman leg ham, finely chopped
1 ½ cups arborio rice
40g butter
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cups hot chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons tomato pesto
10-12 mini Bocconcini cheese
4 tablespoons tomato Pesto
1 cup plain flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
½ cup water
2 cups Panko crumbs
Oil to fry
1 ½ cups arborio rice
40g butter
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cups hot chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons tomato pesto
10-12 mini Bocconcini cheese
4 tablespoons tomato Pesto
1 cup plain flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
½ cup water
2 cups Panko crumbs
Oil to fry
Method:
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Heat butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté rice, garlic & onion for 2-3 minutes.
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Gradually add the hot stock a little at a time until stock is absorbed and rice is tender.
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Stir in the chopped leg ham, Parmesan cheese & tomato pesto. Allow risotto to cool completely.
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Shape cooled risotto into balls and place on a lined oven tray.
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Using your thumb make a small indentation in the centre of each ball and insert a small amount of pesto and 1 tiny bocconcini cheese ball. Press and roll to enclose filling.
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Roll each ball in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash and roll in crumbs, repeat process and refrigerate 30 minutes.
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Heat oil to 170⁰C and shallow fry arancini balls until golden turning frequently. Drain on absorbent paper and serve as required.
Note:
These Arancini balls can be made and frozen in an air tight container for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator prior to frying.