Printed September 2, 2026
Biryani Arancini with Curry Leaf Gastrique
Sicilian rice balls meet Indian biryani in what might be the most logical leftover transformation ever conceived. The rice is already spiced, already flavored—it just needed a crispy coat and a molten cheese center.
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover biryani (any style)
- 6 oz mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 20 fresh curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons ginger, julienned
- 1 green chili, sliced
Preparation
Arancini are traditionally made with risotto because the starch helps them hold together. But biryani rice, with its long grains and bits of meat and vegetables, works even better—there's more going on in every bite.
Forming the Balls
Your biryani should be cold from the fridge. If there are large pieces of meat, roughly chop them. Take about 1/3 cup of biryani in your palm, flatten it, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and form the rice around it into a tight ball. The cheese should be completely enclosed. Repeat with remaining biryani and cheese.
The Breading Station
Mix cumin into the panko breadcrumbs. Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned panko. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then panko. For maximum crunch, dip in egg and panko a second time. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the coating adhere.
Curry Leaf Gastrique
This sweet-sour sauce is the perfect counterpoint to rich, fried rice balls. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced by half and syrupy. Add curry leaves, ginger, and green chili. Remove from heat and let steep.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot
- Fry arancini in batches, about 4-5 minutes, until deeply golden
- Drain on paper towels
- Serve hot with curry leaf gastrique drizzled over or on the side
Cut one open to reveal the stretching mozzarella surrounded by spiced rice. The gastrique adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
