Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Supplì are Roman rice croquettes, cousins to Sicilian arancini but distinctly Roman. The name may derive from French 'surprise'-the surprise being the stretchy mozzarella center. Traditional supplì use risotto-style rice (often leftover) mixed with tomato sauce and meat ragù, formed around a mozzarella cube, breaded, and fried. When pulled apart, the melted mozzarella stretches into strings, earning them the nickname 'supplì al telefono' (telephone wire supplì). The dish is Roman street food, sold at pizzerias, friggitorie (fry shops), and tavole calde. Unlike Sicilian arancini (often egg-washed and breadcrumbed), supplì use just breadcrumbs. The rice should be creamy, the exterior crispy, the mozzarella properly melted. Supplì represent Rome's frugal traditions-changing leftover rice into something beloved.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- deep fryer — Provides deep oil bath for frying supplì until golden and crispy on outside
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Use caution with hot surfaces and oils.
- Ensure proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
-
Make the risotto
Cook risotto with tomato sauce and broth. Stir in Parmigiano and butter. Spread on sheet, cool compl...
-
Form and fry
Take rice, place mozzarella stick in center, form oblong shape. Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry at...
Prep Get set first
About 10 min of prep
- Prepare deep fryer
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
Unlock Grouped Step Actions
Plus members get tap-to-check action steps and live ingredient swaps for this recipe.
-
Make the risotto
Cook risotto with tomato sauce and broth. Stir in Parmigiano and butter. Spread on sheet, cool completely.
-
Form and fry
Take rice, place mozzarella stick in center, form oblong shape. Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry at 350°F until golden. The mozzarella should stretch when you pull apart.