Suppli' Al Telefono (Stuffed Rice Balls)

Brookelynne26's Note:

A Mario Batali recipe, cooking time does not include time for soaking mushrooms.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• ¼ cup dried porcini mushrooms
• 1 cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 Spanish onion , chopped in 1/4 inch dice
• 2 ounces prosciutto , finely chopped
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 large eggs , beaten
• ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
• 2⁄3; cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 5 ounces mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 ¾ cups unseasoned breadcrumbs
• salt & freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• olive oil (for frying)

Directions:

1. Soak the mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain the mushrooms, reserving the mushroom water, and chop finely. Strain soaking liquid thrugh a fine sieve into a small bowl and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and prosciutto and cook until onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring until the rice is opaque, about 3 minutes. Add 2 cups hot water and mushroom water, bring to a boil, and cook uncovered, until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Turn the rice mixture out into a serving bowl and allow to cool 10 minutes. Stir in the eggs, parsley, and Parmigiano.
3. For filling, mix the chopped porcini and mozzarella cubes together in a bowl.
4. Using a tablespoon, make egg-shaped balls of the rice mixture, about 12-14. Use thumb to make an insentation in the center of each, insert 1 teaspoon filling, use palms to round rice around filling so it is completely enclosed.
5. In a large, heavy bottomed pot, heat the 4 cups olive oil over high heat until it is almost smoking. Roll each ball in bread crumbs and set aside on a plate. Working in batches, fry the balls in the hot oil until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towels while seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with tomato sauce, if desired.