Is it arancino or arancina? Let's reveal the linguistic mystery.

You are surely familiar with the famous Sicilian dish made with rice, saffron, and ragù (but the fillings are numerous and varied). This is the culinary emblem of Sicily - one of the many typical products of this land along with the caponata - which, in addition to being famous all over the world, also carries with it some interesting curiosities.
Have you ever wondered how to say it correctly? Arancino or arancina? Discover with us the origins of this debate and its curiosities!

Arancino, pride of the Palermitani

Arancino derives from “aranciu”, which in Sicilian dialect refers to the fruit of the orange tree. According to the Accademia della Crusca, “arancinu” is used as a diminutive of “aranciu” and thus indicates a “small orange”.

But why is the name of a dish associated with that of a fruit? It all comes from Arab tradition, from which it seems that the arancino originates.
Indeed, in Arab culture, food names are often associated with names of fruits that resemble them. Furthermore, in support of the theory that sees the Arabs as the fathers of the arancino, there is also the availability of the main raw materials of which it is composed, including rice and saffron.

If you follow the stories of Commissioner Montalbano, it’s probably the term you hear most often, given that Camilleri even titled one of his most well-known works worldwide as: “The Arancini of Montalbano”. In any case, arancino is not only the form chosen by the famous author of the mysteries featuring Montalbano to define this delicacy. In fact, equally, many Italian dictionaries, and the same Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies adopt the form “arancini di riso” to qualify this specialty.

Unlike the round arancina, the arancino has a shape reminiscent of the Etna, and thus has a conical appearance that calls it to mind and serves as a symbol of the famous volcano.

Arancina for the Catanesi in honor of the Etna

According to many scholars, arancina is considered the most correct and formal version to designate the typical Sicilian dish.

Regarding the shape of the arancina, it is inspired by the fruit of the orange and thus has a round shape. The Treccani Encyclopedia emphasizes its appearance to define it, stating that it is a “rice croquette in the shape of an orange.” In fact, it is believed that the more correct term is “arancina” because the term derives from the fruit of a plant, generally expressed in the feminine.

Arancina is therefore more acceptable at the national level, but at the regional level there is no clear indication that leans towards arancino or arancina.

As for its geographical distribution, the variant “arancina” is mainly used in the areas of Palermo and generally in the more western areas of the Sicilian region.

In any case, arancina is the older form, as the Italian language dictionary Zingarelli, in 1917, defines a dish made with rice and minced meat as arancina.

Which rice to use to prepare the arancino or arancina

The rice is the predominant ingredient of the arancino or arancina. In fact, it seems that this delicacy owes its origin to the need to transport rice seasoned with saffron, herbs, and meat during hunting trips and the travels of Frederick II. Thus, the arancino or arancina was born from the beginning as take-away food.

Throughout its history, this recipe has undergone many revisions and today we have curious reworkings of the original recipe, but the basis of everything always remains: the rice.

The ideal rice for preparing your arancine (or your arancini) is definitely Roma rice or alternatively Carnaroli, which contains a good amount of starch and ensures that all the ingredients bind well together to create that symphony of flavors typical of this delicacy.

Don't forget the importance of saffron, which gives the special golden color and that spicy flavor that takes your mind on a journey to distant lands.

We are already boiling the water to cook the rice, heating the ragù, and getting ready to use the saffron...
Are you ready to try your hand at preparing this tasty recipe? We trust you, and we know it will be a success, finger-licking good!

If you are not a seasoned cook, the fun is still guaranteed in the kitchen, and if needed, you will have the perfect excuse to get help from your favorite assistant!