The Super Bowl will be here in just over a week ( go Niners!) and you're probably looking for some fun new appetizer to wow the crowd with, right? Well, look no further! The great thing about these risotto balls (called arancini) is that they not only make a great starter, but you can put them on a salad or have them as a side. Super versatile!

And the fact that they are made with beer and cheese doesn't hurt either.

Recipe: Beer and Gouda Fried Risotto Balls (Arancini)

Ingredients:

Scant 1 1/4 cup arborio rice
3 cups beer, Scotch Ale style
1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup sweet onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons of salt
12 1/4-inch cubes of Gouda cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup of flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Vegetable oil
Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

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1. In a very large pan, heat the olive oil over a medium-low heat until the oil's surface shimmers.

2. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until they are just aromatic, about a minute or two.

3. Add in the rice and mix it well so that it is lightly covered in oil. Warm the rice for a couple of minutes. Do not allow it to brown.

4. Add the vegetable broth to the rice and about 1/2 cup of the beer, and bring it to a boil.

5. Add in the salt, reduce to a low simmer, cooking the liquid down.

6. When the liquid has almost cooked down, add in another 1/2 cup or so of beer. Repeating until all of the liquid is used up and the rice is fully cooked.

7. Fold in the Parmesan cheese.

8. Let the risotto cool then place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

9. In one mixing bowl, beat the two eggs and whisk in the flour. In a separate bowl, add the bread crumbs. Also line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

10. Remove the risotto from the fridge and let's make some balls! Place a small spoonful in the palm of your hand and using your finger, make an indentation. Place a cube of Gouda cheese in the pocket and roll the risotto into a ball, adding more if needed. You want to make sure the Gouda is completely surrounded by risotto. Then place it on the parchment paper.

11. After all twelve are made, put the baking sheet in the fridge and let it chill for about an hour.

12. Remove the tray from the fridge and then one at a time, dip the balls in the egg and flour mixture, removing any excess. Then roll them in the bread crumbs, placing them back on the parchment paper and placing it back in the fridge when done.

13. Bring vegetable oil to 375 degrees F and carefully fry the balls until golden brown, placing them on a drying rack when done.

Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!

goudagouda

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Beer and Gouda Fried Risotto Balls (Arancini)