arancini
In Italian, rice balls are known as arancini.
Arancini refers to deep-fried balls of stuffed rice, which are a specialty of Sicilian cuisine. They are typically served as street food or as a snack or appetizer.
What does it mean word for word?
The word arancini is a diminutive of arancia (orange). It refers to the food's resemblance to a small orange because of its golden color and shape.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, the term arancini is used for these rice balls. However, in the city of Palermo, the feminine form arancina is commonly used, whereas most of the rest of Sicily uses the masculine form. In Rome, rice balls are often referred to as supplì.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is arancino.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While you might see the term palle di riso used for rice balls, be aware that palle can also be used as a slang term for certain body parts.
Did you know?
- In Palermo, the preference for the feminine arancina over the masculine arancino is such a strong point of local identity that it is often a subject of heated cultural debate between different Sicilian cities.
- The consumption of arancini is a traditional culinary centerpiece for the Feast of Santa Lucia on December 13th in Sicily.
- While arancini are round like oranges, the Roman version known as supplì is typically shaped like a cylinder or a torpedo.
Examples in context
- Gli arancini sono caldi e croccanti.The arancini are hot and crunchy.
- Vorrei mangiare degli arancini al ragù.I would like to eat some meat ragù arancini.
- Questi arancini siciliani sono deliziosi.These Sicilian arancini are delicious.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are having lunch at a street food stall.
- GiuliaPrendo due arancini, per favore.I'll take two arancini, please.
- FrancescoVuoi anche un panino, Giulia?Do you want a sandwich too, Giulia?
- GiuliaNo grazie, preferisco solo gli arancini.No thanks, I prefer just the arancini.
- FrancescoVa bene, allora prendo anch'io un arancino.Alright, then I will take an arancino too.
