Olive and caper arancini

Babiche Martens

Makes 12

Ingredients

2 Tbsp	Olive oil, (plus extra for frying)
3 cups	Vegetable stock
1	Onion, (diced)
3 cloves	Garlic, (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp	Capers, (rinsed and chopped)
1 cup	Risotto rice
½ cup	White wine
50 g	Parmesan cheese
1	Salt and pepper
12	Pitted green olives, (large) (Main)
50 g	Cheese, (taleggio, rind removed)
50 g	Flour, (seasoned)
2	Eggs, (lightly beaten)
2 cups	Panko breadcrumbs, (fresh)

Cherry tomato sauce

1 clove	Garlic
1 Tbsp	Olive oil
1 tsp	Smoked paprika
2 sprigs	Fresh thyme
1 can	Cherry tomatoes
1 tsp	Aged balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. To make the risotto, heat the stock in a saucepan to a gentle simmer. Heat the oil then add the onion, garlic and capers.
2. Cook gently for 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 5 minutes until well coated and beginning to lightly toast. Deglaze the pan with the wine.
3. Begin adding a ladle of stock at a time, stirring after each addition as the stock is absorbed. Continue for about 30 minutes until the rice is al dente.
4. Stir through the parmesan and check for seasoning. Turn out on to a tray and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
5. Stuff the olives with the cheese. Moisten your hand with a little water. Take a ball of risotto in your palm, then make an indent with your thumb.
6. Pop the olive inside, then close your hand, encasing the stuffed olive with risotto. Smooth the surface. Roll in the seasoned flour, then into the beaten egg and finally into the breadcrumbs.
7. Preheat oven to 200C. Heat a pan, pour in just enough oil to cover the surface. Cook arancini until golden all over. Transfer to a baking dish and cook for a further 15 minutes.
8. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook gently for 2 minutes.
9. Add the paprika, thyme and tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes then add the balsamic. Taste for seasoning before serving with the arancini.