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Desserts

Nutella rice balls

⏱ 20 min🍳 25 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Today we offer a sweet version of the classic rice balls: with Nutella! These have enclosed within them a delicious and warm heart of Nutella, and are ideal for a hearty snack - and of course for all the fans of Nutella this is yet another new way to enjoy it. They will be an absolute blockbuster for all you gluttonous adults and children! They can also be made very small, as if they were little sweets... The recipe is very simple, maintaining, in fact, the traditional basic method of making arancini but revisited in this new, original and sweet version. Served as dessert it will make a great impression, success is guaranteed. So do try to make some, just follow the steps illustrated in our photo gallery, and it will be child's play. You simply must make these Nutella rice balls!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
28g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
25 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Boil the rice in the milk and cream with the sugar. Once it is cooked slightly ‘al dente’, let it cool. Take a little and spread it out on your palm. Place a teaspoon of Nutella on top and with some more rice, cover the Nutella and shape into a ball. When you’ve used up the rice and made several balls, one by one dip them in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs. Fry in plenty of hot oil. When they have taken on a uniform golden colour, remove the rice balls from the oil and pat them dry on paper towels. As soon as the surface of the balls is dry, sprinkle with icing sugar and eat hot.

Tips
Arancini should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while inside must be very hot: in order to get this result we recommend when boiling the rice to overcook it a little: in this way they will remain more compact during frying.
Trivia
In Italian these rice balls are known as ‘arancini’, so-called because of their similarity in shape and colour to oranges or ‘arance’. They are a dish from Sicily but are known world-wide thanks to the great emigration of Sicilians across the globe. Immigrants from Sicily often opened restaurants and takeaways overseas where they made these rice balls.

Step by step

Boil the rice
Boil the rice
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Nutella Arancini with powdered sugar

A delicious variation of Nutella Arancini includes the addition of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. After frying the arancini, generously dust them with powdered sugar to enhance their flavor. This preparation makes the treats even more inviting and perfect for a snack or dessert. The arancini, thus decorated, become not only a pleasure for the palate but also a real feast for the eyes. Try serving them on special occasions or during parties with friends and family, where the contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy Nutella filling will surely be appreciated by everyone, young and old.

Tuscan Nutella Arancini

This variation of Nutella Arancini is inspired by Tuscan tradition, where fried sweets are a true must. The preparation remains faithful to the original recipe, but can be enriched with typical regional ingredients, such as a splash of Tuscan liqueur in the rice for a unique aroma. The arancini can be served with a side of fresh fruit typical of Tuscany, such as figs or pears, for a contrast of flavors. This dish not only celebrates the sweetness of Nutella but also brings with it a piece of Tuscan culinary tradition, making it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to banquets.

Light Nutella Arancini without oil

For those who wish to enjoy Nutella Arancini in a lighter version, it is possible to prepare a variant without frying. Instead of frying, you can bake the arancini in the oven. Just brush them with a bit of milk or a mixture of egg and milk to achieve a perfect golden color. This preparation significantly reduces calories while keeping the flavor intact thanks to the Nutella filling. Baked arancini are a great alternative for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without giving up dessert. Serve them warm and enjoy their soft center, for a sweet treat that satisfies the craving for sweetness, without guilt.

Nutritional benefits of Nutella Arancini and calories

Nutella Arancini, although a fried dessert, can offer some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Rice, for example, is a source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. Nutella, while caloric, also contains hazelnuts that provide unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. A serving of Nutella arancini can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the size and cooking method. It is important to consume them in moderation, but they can be an interesting option to satisfy a sweet craving on special occasions, balancing pleasure with a healthy diet.

Can Nutella Arancini be frozen?

Yes, Nutella Arancini can be frozen to prolong their freshness. It is advisable to freeze them before frying, in order to maintain their texture and flavor. After forming the rice balls with Nutella, place them on a tray and freeze for a few hours, then transfer them to a food bag. When you want to enjoy them, simply fry them directly from the freezer, without thawing, to achieve a perfect result. This solution is ideal for preparing these treats in advance and having them always ready for a last-minute snack or dessert.