Golden and crispy, this stuffed rice ball is one of Sicily’s most beloved street foods. There’s no doubt that it is delicious and holds a rich culinary tradition. However, the real debate is: should it be arancina or arancino?
What is the history of street food?
Street food dates back to the bustling marketplaces of the Greeks and Romans, with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. Sicily has its fair share of street food history with different culinary influences, and arancino or arancina is one of them. With Arab roots, the idea of fried and stuffed rice draws parallels to saffron rice dishes that are known and loved. Now, this is a staple in Sicilian street food culture.
What is arancino/arancina made of?
Here are the ingredients of arancino/arancina:
Rice: With a risotto texture and flavored with saffron.
Filling (more on this later!)
Breadcrumb coating: The rice balls are dipped in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before being fried.
Deep-fried in oil: Usually vegetable or olive oil.
True to the street food testament of simplicity, this delicious treat is hearty and versatile.
Where can I find arancino? Where can I find arancina?
Arancino (masculine) is a term commonly used in eastern Sicily, which includes regions like Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. It’s usually conical in shape, inspired by Mount Etna. The tendency to masculinize certain words in Sicilian dialects is shown here.
Arancina (feminine) is a term commonly used in western Sicily, which includes regions like Palermo and Trapani. It’s generally round, which can look like an orange (hence: arancia, which means orange in Italian).
While both versions are accepted and celebrated, Italy’s top linguistic authority stated that arancina is technically more correct because it derives from arancia. However, both terms are used across Sicily.
You can typically find this fried and stuffed rice in delis, street food markets, and bakeries. Read on to find out the different variations of arancini and arancine!
What are the different types and shapes of arancini and arancine?
Regional preferences mean that there are different types and shapes of arancini and arancine. These include different fillings! Here are some variations of this delicious street food snack.
Shapes
Conical: Pointed and tower-like.
Round: Ball-shaped.
Fillings
Ragu: Meat sauce, peas, and mozzarella.
Burro: Sauce, ham, and cheese.
Spinach and Ricotta: For vegetarians everywhere!
Pistachio: Creamy pistachio sauce with cheese.
Seafood: Shrimp and squid ink.
All of these variations, whether arancina or arancino, have their own charm and flavor. Whether you want something light or hearty, this is the perfect snack for you. The only way for you to settle the debate: try it all! Embrace the charm of street food from different regions—we’ll see you there.
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