Rice Croquettes, No. 1 Recipe

History of Rice Croquettes:
Rice croquettes, also known as arancini in Italian cuisine, have a rich history dating back to the 9th century in Sicily, Italy. This beloved dish was traditionally made as a way to use up leftover rice from previous meals. The word "arancini" comes from the Italian word "arancina," which means "little orange" due to their round and golden appearance resembling oranges.

Fun Facts About Rice Croquettes:
1. Arancini gained popularity during the Arab rule in Sicily, as they were influenced by the Middle Eastern dish called "ris ala mandub," made with rice, meat, and saffron.
2. Arancini is a popular street food in Sicily, often served as a snack or appetizer.
3. The traditional shape of arancini is round, similar to the shape of an orange. However, they can also be formed into other shapes such as oblong croquettes or small balls, as mentioned in this recipe.
4. Arancini is often filled with various ingredients such as ragu (meat sauce), mozzarella cheese, peas, or mushrooms.
5. Rice croquettes are enjoyed around the world, with variations found in different cuisines, including Japanese cuisine where they are known as onigiri.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Rice Croquettes, No. 1:

Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of boiled or steamed rice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of cold water
- Fine bread crumbs for coating
- Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:
1. Begin by separating the white and yolk of one egg. Reserve about half of the yolk for coating the croquettes.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining egg yolk with the white until well combined.
3. Add two cups of boiled or steamed rice to the egg mixture.
4. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of salt over the rice and egg mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Take small portions of the rice mixture and shape them into oblong croquettes or small balls, according to your preference.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the reserved part of the egg yolk with a tablespoon of cold water.
7. Dip each rice croquette into the egg yolk mixture, ensuring it is completely coated.
8. Roll the coated croquettes in fine bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all the croquettes are well-coated with bread crumbs.
10. Heat a deep pan or skillet with cooking oil suitable for frying.
11. Gently place the coated croquettes into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them occasionally to ensure even browning.
12. Once the croquettes are cooked and crisp, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.
13. Let the rice croquettes cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Japanese Onigiri: Onigiri is a Japanese version of rice croquettes. It involves shaping rice into triangles or balls and filling them with a variety of ingredients such as fish, pickles, or vegetables. They are often wrapped in nori (seaweed) and are a popular portable snack or lunch option in Japan.
- Cuban Arroz Frito: Arroz Frito is a Cuban dish that features fried rice mixed with various ingredients such as ham, shrimp, eggs, peas, and onions. This flavorful rice dish can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Cuban delicacies.
- Italian Risotto Balls (Supplì): Supplì is a popular Italian dish made using risotto rice that is shaped into oval or round balls, typically filled with mozzarella cheese and sometimes tomato sauce. These rice balls are coated in bread crumbs and fried until golden and crispy. They are often served as an appetizer or street food in Italy.

These delicious rice croquettes, with their crispy bread crumb coating and flavorful rice filling, are a versatile and enjoyable dish that can be customized according to your preference. Whether you call them rice croquettes, arancini, or onigiri, they are sure to be a hit among your friends and family. Enjoy!