One of the best things about arancini is that pretty much everybody likes them. Even kids. You can fill them with a host of fillings from mozzarella to roast veggies and bolognese which means they can be made to suit any taste.
But what do you serve with arancini balls?
Good question and the answer is limitless. These deep fried risotto balls pair well with pretty much any Italian-based dish and depending on what’s inside them you can serve with vegetables, salads, relish or pasta.
Stick with classic Italian flavours and you can’t go wrong.
Here’s a list of ideas to get you started.
Rich tomato sauce
Araninci balls are delicious little morsels and one of the best side dishes to serve with them is a tasty homemade sauce like this Tray-baked tomato sauce.
Made with fresh oregano and basil this recipe has a rich and full flavour which will add a next level of depth to your arancini balls. In fact, you’d better make an extra batch because this combo is likely to make you want more!
Aioli
The garlicky tang of aioli is perfect for dipping arancini into and you can easily make a cheat’s version by adding roasted garlic and lemon juice to ready-made mayonnaise. Or make your own from scratch.
Rice balls dipped in garlic mayonnaise – what could be better?
Wilted spinach
What to eat with arancini balls? Well, why not serve something green with your rice balls – like a plate of wilted spinach.
This quick and easy side dish can be whipped up in less that 5 minutes and will not only up the nutritional value but add heaps of taste.
Eggplant Parmigiana
Sticking to the veg theme, eggplant parmigiana is another classic Italian dish that you can serve as a main meal after an arancini ball entree. Or, serve the risotto balls as the main with the eggplant as a side.
Either way, you’ll be in seventh heaven with all that gooey, cheesy goodness; and the combination of Italian herbs in the parmigiana served with your already-delicious arancini makes for an outstanding meal combo.
You can thank me later.
Grilled asparagus
The nutty, crunchiness of grilled asparagus is an ideal vegan accompaniment to eat with arancini balls.
You could even create an antipasti plate by adding salami, olives, bocconcini and sliced tomato with a pesto dressing drizzled over the top.
Simply divine!
Pear and pomegranate salad
Any salad will go well with risotto balls but if you’re entertaining and want the meal to stand out, make a pear and pomegranate salad with rocket and add a balsamic and olive oil dressing to finish it off.
The crispness of the pear with the pop of the pomegranate helps cut through the fried arancini and balances out the flavours perfectly. Adding shaved parmesan over the top adds a lovely sharp twist.
Beetroot relish
One thing that keeps well in the fridge is beetroot relish – and it’s unsurpassable as an accompaniment to arancini.
Sweet, tangy beetroot brings out the mellowness of the rice balls and will add depth to the most plain arancini which means fussy eaters can be catered for while you enjoy the luxury of extra flavour from the relish.
Works just as well with tomato or caramelised onion relish.
You might like to try
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