Lunch: Amato's Arancini de Riso

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, plus about 8 cups for frying
1/4 pound lean ground beef chuck
1/2 (15-ounce) can green peas, drained (about 1 cup)
1/2 (15-ounce) can marinara sauce (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 ounces mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup)
2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup )
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions

In medium heavy saucepan, combine 4 cups water, rice, and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In large skillet over moderate heat, heat 1 teaspoon oil until hot but not smoking. Add beef and 1 teaspoon salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally and breaking up large lumps with wooden spoon, until meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in peas, sauce, and garlic powder and simmer, uncovered, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and set aside to cool.
Line 2 large baking sheets with wax paper. In large bowl, mix together rice, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg yolks, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Wet hands, scoop up about 2 tablespoons mixture, and roll into 2-inch ball. Poke small hole into center of ball and insert 1 scant tablespoon meat mixture. Re-form into ball and place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rice and meat mixtures, placing all balls on 1 baking sheet.
Place egg whites and bread crumbs in separate bowls. Dredge 1 ball in egg white, letting excess drip off, then dredge in bread crumbs and transfer to second baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls.
In large, heavy pot, heat 1 1/2 to 2 inches oil until thermometer registers 360 °F. Working in batches of 4, lower rice balls into oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Return oil to 360 °F between batches. Let balls stand 2 minutes before serving.

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