How to Make Authentic Roman Supplì with Rice and Mozzarella

Simple Summary

Supplì with Rice and Mozzarella is a beloved Roman street food featuring crispy rice croquettes with a gooey mozzarella center. These savory bites are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 supplì
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz mozzarella, cut into small cubes
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

3. Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.

4. Begin adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.

5. When the rice is al dente, stir in the tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Spread the risotto on a baking sheet to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

7. Once cooled, shape about 2 tablespoons of rice mixture into an oval. Press a cube of mozzarella into the center and enclose it completely with rice. Repeat with remaining rice and cheese.

8. Set up a breading station: place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.

9. Dip each rice ball first in flour, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

11. Fry the supplì in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

12. Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the cheese inside will be very hot.

Chef's Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• You can prepare the risotto a day in advance and refrigerate it to save time.
• If you prefer, you can bake the supplì instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded supplì on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• For extra flavor, add some finely chopped herbs like basil or parsley to the risotto mixture.

Nutritional Info

Each supplì contains approximately 250 calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates and protein, with the mozzarella providing calcium. The rice offers some B vitamins, while the tomato sauce adds a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions

Serve supplì hot as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light Italian beer. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Present on a rustic wooden board or in individual paper cones for an authentic Roman street food experience. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and offer extra tomato sauce on the side for dipping.