Low Fat Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)

Savor the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with these Low Fat Italian Rice Balls (Arancini), a lighter twist on the classic comfort food. Made with creamy Arborio rice, a hint of Parmesan, sweet peas, and a gooey low-fat mozzarella center, these baked arancini are a guilt-free indulgence. Instead of deep frying, these golden-brown delights are oven-baked to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and flavorful. Coated in egg whites and breadcrumbs, then finished with a spritz of olive oil, they’re a healthier option without sacrificing the indulgent taste you crave. Ready in under an hour, these arancini are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main course. Pair with a fresh side salad, and you'll have a dish that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams cooked Arborio rice
• 100 grams low-fat mozzarella cheese, diced
• 100 grams frozen peas, thawed
• 25 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces egg whites
• 100 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 as needed olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked Arborio rice, thawed peas, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

Step 3

Whisk the egg whites in a separate small bowl until lightly foamy.

Step 4

Take a small handful of the rice mixture and form a ball measuring approximately the size of a golf ball.

Step 5

Press a cube of low-fat mozzarella cheese into the center of the rice ball and cover it fully, ensuring the cheese is well centered.

Step 6

Dip each rice ball into the whisked egg whites, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 7

Roll the egg-coated rice ball in breadcrumbs until it's completely covered.

Step 8

Place the coated rice balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm as an appetizer or a light main course with a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(917.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1527.1

Total Fat 30.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 78.6mg	0%
Sodium 5272.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 241.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 17.6g
Protein 74.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1167.1mg	0%
Iron 9.0mg	0%
Potassium 785.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.0%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 62.7%