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1
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter & red pepper flakes.
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2
Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly browned, 7 minutes.
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3
Add the rice and cook, stirring, until well coated with butter.
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4
Add the white wine and saffron, season with salt and black pepper and cook, stirring, until the wine is absorbed, 2 minutes.
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5
Add the warm chicken stock 1/2 cup at a time and cook, stirring constantly between additions, until it is absorbed.
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6
The risotto is done when the rice is al dente, 25 minutes total.
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7
Stir in the grated cheese, transfer to a bowl and let cool.
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8
Melt the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan.
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9
Add the 1/2 tablespoon of flour and whisk constantly over moderate heat for 1 minute.
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10
Add the milk and cook, whisking, until thickened;.season with the nutmeg, salt and black pepper and transfer to a bowl to cool completely.
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11
Stir in the mozzarella, pistachios and peas.
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12
Line a large baking sheet with wax paper.
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13
Put the eggs, panko and flour for dusting in 3 shallow bowls.
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14
Using lightly moistened hands, shape the rice mixture into 16 equal balls.
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15
Working with one ball at a time, make an indentation in the center with your finger and press the sides to make the hollow larger.
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16
Spoon a scant tablespoon of the pistachio filling into the hollow and press the risotto around the filling to enclose it.
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17
Transfer the ball to the baking sheet; repeat with the remaining risotto and filling.
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18
Dust the arancini with flour, tapping off the excess.
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19
Coat them with the egg and roll in the panko.
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20
In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350u00b0.
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21
Fry the arancini over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until golden and heated through, 8 minutes.
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22
Drain the arancini on paper towels and serve hot.
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23
*MAKE AHEAD:
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24
The fried arancini can be refrigerated overnight; reheat them in a low oven until crispy.