Inuit-inspired Arctic Rice Balls

Ingredients

Inuit cuisine focuses on utilizing ingredients found in the Arctic region, such as Arctic grains, smoked fish, dried berries, and local herbs. The traditional Italian Arancini al burro is typically made with risotto rice, butter, and Italian cheeses. In this Inuit-inspired adaptation, we substitute the risotto rice with Arctic grains like barley and quinoa, replace the butter with locally sourced Arctic fats, and incorporate smoked Arctic char and dried berries for a unique flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Arancini al burro, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) Arctic grains (barley and quinoa mix) 1 cup (185g) Arctic grains (barley and quinoa mix)
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon Arctic salt 1/2 teaspoon Arctic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Arctic spices (such as juniper berries and Labrador tea) 1/4 teaspoon ground Arctic spices (such as juniper berries and Labrador tea)
• 1/2 cup (75g) smoked Arctic char, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) smoked Arctic char, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried Arctic berries (such as cloudberries or cranberries), rehydrated and chopped 1/4 cup (40g) dried Arctic berries (such as cloudberries or cranberries), rehydrated and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Arctic herbs (such as Arctic sorrel or Arctic thyme) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Arctic herbs (such as Arctic sorrel or Arctic thyme)
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried seaweed, crushed 1/4 cup (30g) dried seaweed, crushed
• 1 cup (240ml) Arctic fat (such as rendered seal fat or Arctic char oil) 1 cup (240ml) Arctic fat (such as rendered seal fat or Arctic char oil)
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups (470ml) vegetable oil (for frying)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the Arctic grains, water, and Arctic salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the grains are cooked and tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked Arctic grains, ground Arctic spices, smoked Arctic char, dried Arctic berries, and chopped fresh Arctic herbs. Mix well to combine.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. 4.
   In a shallow dish, combine the crushed dried seaweed and a pinch of ground Arctic spices. Roll each rice ball in the seaweed mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   In a deep pot or fryer, heat the Arctic fat and vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Carefully drop the rice balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. 6.
   Serve the Inuit-inspired Arctic Rice Balls hot as an appetizer or main dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arctic grains — Make sure to cook the grains until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them for the best texture in the rice balls.
• Smoked Arctic char — Finely chop the char to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the rice balls, adding a smoky flavor to every bite.
• Dried Arctic berries — Rehydrate the berries in warm water before chopping them. This will soften them and enhance their natural sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find Arctic grains, you can substitute with a mixture of barley and quinoa.
• Experiment with different combinations of dried Arctic berries for a variety of flavors.
• Serve the rice balls with a side of lingonberry jam or a drizzle of Arctic honey for added sweetness.
• For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked Arctic char oil instead of regular vegetable oil for frying.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of ground Arctic spices used in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Inuit-inspired Arctic Rice Balls as an appetizer with a side of lingonberry jam or as a main dish accompanied by a fresh Arctic salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rice balls on a bed of fresh Arctic greens and garnish with a sprinkle of dried seaweed and a sprig of Arctic herbs for an elegant presentation.