Crispy arancini filled with creamy Jersey Royal potato and sweet Jersey crab, served with a vibrant saffron aioli. A delightful taste of Jersey!
**Prepare the Risotto:** Melt the Jersey butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced Jersey Royal potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
If using, pour in the white wine and let it evaporate, stirring occasionally.
Begin adding the hot vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This will take about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be creamy and al dente.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Jersey crab meat, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the risotto out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
**Prepare the Saffron Aioli:** While the risotto cools, make the saffron aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, saffron threads and their soaking water, and lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
**Assemble and Fry the Arancini:** Once the risotto is chilled, take a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto.
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Dip each arancini ball into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 175°C (350°F).
Carefully place the arancini balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remove the arancini balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Serve:** Serve the Jersey Royal Potato and Jersey Crab Arancini warm with the saffron aioli on the side for dipping.
Nutrition per serving (375g)
Ensure the risotto is completely cold before shaping the arancini. This will make them easier to handle and prevent them from falling apart during frying.
Use good quality mayonnaise for the saffron aioli to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.
Don't overcrowd the deep fryer, fry the arancini in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
If you don't have a deep fryer, you can bake the arancini in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, turning halfway through.
For a vegetarian option, omit the crab meat and add some chopped seasonal Jersey vegetables such as asparagus or broad beans to the risotto.
Large saucepan
Shallow dishes (3)
Deep fryer or large pot
Slotted spoon
Mixing bowl
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.