Supplì al Telefono
Supplì al Telefono are delightful Roman rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella and coated in crispy breadcrumbs, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This vegetarian snack is a satisfying treat, ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own.

60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Arborio rice - 150 grams
- Vegetable broth - 500 ml
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic - 1 clove, minced
- Canned tomatoes - 200 grams, crushed
- Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
- Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, diced
- Egg - 1 large
- Breadcrumbs - 100 grams
- All-purpose flour - 50 grams
- Olive oil - for frying
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Fresh basil - a few leaves, chopped
Steps
- In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer.
- In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice to the onion mixture and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Gradually add the simmering vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked and creamy (about 18-20 minutes).
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil. Mix well and let cool.
- Once the rice mixture is cool, take a small amount in your hands, flatten it, and place a piece of diced mozzarella in the center. Shape the rice around the cheese into a ball and repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each rice ball first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- In a deep skillet, heat enough olive oil for frying over medium heat. Once hot, fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the supplì from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Water: 0.1 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy.
- Contains fiber from the rice and tomatoes, promoting digestive health.
Tags
ItalianVegetarianSnack