Pasta & Riso Night Special: What is Arancini?

On August 1, 2, and 3, Marco Ristorante Italiano is featuring a delicious five course dinner special featuring delicious selections of pasta and risotto. Pasta & Riso Nights will include several unique dishes prepared by our culinary team led by Chef Gianluca. One item on the menu is an Italian dish called Arancino (plural: Arancini). Here is a little background on this native Italian specialty.

Arancini or arancine are fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to have originated in Sicily in the 10th century. Arancini are usually filled with ragù (meat sauce), tomato sauce, mozzarella, and/or peas. There are a number of local variants that differ in fillings and shape. The name derives from the food's shape and color, which is reminiscent of an orange (the Italian word for orange is arancia, and arancina means "little orange").

The main type of arancino sold in Sicilian cafes are arancini con ragù, which typically consist of meat in a tomato sauce, rice, and mozzarella. The arancini dish at Marco will feature a duo, one filled with Bolognese ragu and the other with mozzarella and peas. Both will be served with Marco's homemade pomodoro sauce.

Other courses during the Pasta & Riso nights include a ravioli duo, a risotto duo, a cold duo, and frittella di riso with pistachio mouse for dessert. See the complete menu below. Make reservations for Pasta & Riso Nights by calling 478.405.5660.