Arancini à la Norma

Arancini alla Norma is a traditional variety of arancini originating from Catania, Sicily. These rice balls are stuffed with the ingredients that are used in a traditional dish called pasta alla Norma: tomato sauce with basil, eggplants, and ricotta cheese. The sauce for the filling is reduced and concentrated, and it's then stuffed into rice balls that are breaded and deep-fried in oil until golden and crunchy. Salt and pepper are standard seasonings, while garlic and butter are welcome additions to arancini alla Norma.