The 10 Best Types of Rice for Italian Rice Balls

As a lover of Italian cuisine, I have always believed that the key to perfecting rice balls lies in the choice of rice. It’s like selecting the perfect partner for a dance; the right rhythm and flow are essential.

In this article, I will unveil the top ten types of rice that will elevate your Italian rice balls to new heights.

From the creamy Arborio to the delicate Vialone Nano, let’s explore the best options that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Arborio Rice

If you’re making Italian rice balls, you should use Arborio rice. Arborio rice is a high-starch short-grain rice that originates from Italy.

It is commonly used in risotto dishes because of its unique characteristics. When cooked, Arborio rice becomes creamy and slightly chewy, making it the perfect choice for rice balls. The high starch content allows the rice to bind together and hold its shape when forming the balls.

Additionally, Arborio rice has the ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with, enhancing the overall taste of the rice balls. So, if you want to achieve that authentic Italian taste and texture in your rice balls, Arborio rice is the way to go.

Carnaroli Rice

Carnaroli rice is highly recommended for making authentic arancini. I’ve tried using different types of rice, but none of them compare to the texture and flavor that Carnaroli rice brings to the dish.

The grains are short and plump, with a high starch content that gives the arancini a creamy consistency. When cooked, Carnaroli rice holds its shape well, ensuring that the arancini remain intact during frying.

The rice also absorbs flavors beautifully, allowing the filling to be the star of the show. Whether I’m making classic arancini with ragu and mozzarella or getting creative with different fillings, Carnaroli rice always delivers exceptional results.

If you want to make truly authentic arancini, I highly recommend using Carnaroli rice.

Vialone Nano Rice

When you’re looking for a rice variety that brings a unique texture and flavor to your dishes, Vialone Nano rice is an excellent choice.

It’s a short-grain rice that originates from the Veneto region in Italy.

I love using Vialone Nano rice in my risotto recipes because it has a high starch content, which gives the dish a creamy and velvety texture.

The grains are plump and absorbent, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the broth and other ingredients.

This rice variety also holds its shape well during cooking, making it perfect for dishes like arancini or rice balls.

The slightly nutty flavor of Vialone Nano rice adds a delightful taste to any dish, making it a standout option for your culinary creations.

Baldo Rice

You should try Baldo rice if you’re looking for a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes. I love using Baldo rice because it has a wonderful texture and absorbs flavors really well.

Whether I’m making a risotto, a pilaf, or even a creamy rice pudding, Baldo rice always delivers. It has a medium grain size, which gives it a nice balance between being fluffy and sticky. This makes it perfect for dishes like arancini, where you want the rice to hold its shape while still being tender.

Baldo rice is also great for stuffing vegetables or making rice salads. It’s definitely a pantry staple for me and I highly recommend giving it a try in your next recipe.

Roma Rice

If you’re looking for a versatile option for your next recipe, Roma rice is worth considering.

It’s a type of short-grain rice that originates from Italy and is commonly used in risotto dishes.

What makes Roma rice stand out is its ability to absorb flavors and release starch, creating a creamy and rich texture.

I love using Roma rice in arancini, where the rice balls are stuffed with delicious fillings like cheese and meat.

The grains of Roma rice are plump and tender, making it perfect for forming into balls.

Whether you’re making a savory or sweet dish, Roma rice is a great choice.

Its versatility and ability to enhance the flavors of your recipe will surely impress your taste buds.

Maratelli Rice

After talking about Roma Rice, let’s move on to another excellent type of rice for Italian rice balls: Maratelli Rice.

I have to say, Maratelli Rice is one of my personal favorites. It has a slightly shorter grain compared to Roma Rice, which gives the rice balls a wonderfully creamy texture. The grains absorb the flavors of the filling perfectly, creating a burst of deliciousness in every bite.

Maratelli Rice is also known for its ability to hold its shape well during cooking, making it ideal for shaping into perfectly round rice balls. Whether you’re making classic arancini or experimenting with different fillings, Maratelli Rice will definitely elevate your rice ball game to the next level.

Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Sant’Andrea Rice

Let’s move on to another fantastic option for making delicious rice balls: Sant’Andrea Rice is a great choice that will surely impress your taste buds.

This variety of rice is known for its exceptional quality and flavor, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. The grains are plump and firm, perfect for creating the perfect texture in your rice balls.

Sant’Andrea Rice also absorbs flavors extremely well, allowing you to infuse it with your favorite seasonings and ingredients. Whether you prefer classic fillings like meat and cheese or more adventurous combinations, this rice will enhance the overall taste of your rice balls.

Trust me, once you try Sant’Andrea Rice, you won’t want to use any other variety for your Italian rice balls.

Carnise Rice

When making rice balls, you should consider using Carnise Rice for its rich flavor and ability to absorb seasonings and ingredients. I personally love using Carnise Rice because it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to my rice balls.

The grains are plump and firm, creating a perfect texture that holds together well when shaping the balls. Carnise Rice also has a natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

What I really appreciate about this rice is its ability to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and ingredients that I add. Whether I’m making traditional Italian rice balls with meat and cheese or experimenting with different fillings, Carnise Rice always delivers a delicious and satisfying result.

Nano Rice

If you’re looking for a new and exciting rice variety to try, Nano Rice is a great option. I recently discovered this tiny grain and it has quickly become one of my favorites.

Nano Rice is a type of short-grain rice that originates from Japan. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. One of the things I love about Nano Rice is its ability to absorb flavors.

Whether I’m making a simple stir-fry or a creamy risotto, this rice always enhances the taste of the dish. It also has a wonderful texture, slightly sticky and chewy, which adds a satisfying element to any meal.

Give Nano Rice a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Volano Rice

I’ve heard that Volano Rice, a type of long-grain rice, is known for its rich flavor and fluffy texture. I have always been a fan of rice dishes, and I couldn’t resist trying this one.

As soon as I cooked it, the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to take my first bite. The rice grains were long and slender, and they cooked up perfectly, not sticking together.

When I tasted it, I was blown away by the rich and nutty flavor. It had a slight sweetness that complemented the savory dishes perfectly. The texture was incredibly fluffy, making each bite a delight.

Volano Rice has definitely become a staple in my pantry for its exceptional taste and texture.