Authentic Roman Supplì Recipe: Rome’s Famous Crispy Rice Balls
I first discovered supplì while scrolling Instagram. You can find Suppli all over Rome. I was able to taste my first Suppli in the Jewish Ghetto on a Roman food tour. After one bite, I was hooked. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and filled with gooey melted mozzarella, it’s the ultimate Italian comfort food.
Many people confuse supplì with arancini (Italian rice balls), but they’re actually different. Supplì originated in Rome and are typically smaller, oval-shaped, and made with a simple tomato-based rice filling and mozzarella center. Arancini come from Sicily, are usually larger, and often contain a variety of fillings such as meat, peas, vegetables, or cheese.
What I love most about supplì is their simplicity. A few humble ingredients come together to create a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and impossible to eat just one of.
Whether you’ve strolled through Rome’s side streets or simply want to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen, this authentic Roman supplì recipe is a must-try.
8
servings40
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1/2 rice
1/4 cup tomato sauce
tomato paste
mozzarella cheese
1 egg
salt to taste
extra virgin olive oil or other cooking oil
breadcrumbs
Directions
- Boil the rice until it’s cooked. Mix in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Remove from fridge and shape the rice ball with your hands. Put mozzarella cheese inside the rice ball.
- Roll the rice ball in a freshly cracked egg and then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Suppli in very hot oil until golden brown.
