
Arancini-Style Crispy Couscous Rounds
Difficulty: Difficult | Makes: 3-4 Servings
Golden, crunchy, and filled with flavor! These Arancini-Style Crispy Couscous Rounds are perfectly paired with a sweet and spicy red bell pepper dip, creating the ultimate appetizer!
For Couscous Rounds
- 1 cup Roland® Israeli Couscous
- 1/4 cup Roland® Aji Amarillo Sofrito, pureed
- 2 tablespoons Roland® Caramelized Onions
- 1/2 cup peas, thawed if frozen
- 6 small cubes halloumi cheese (about 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup Roland® Panko
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chiffonade, for garnish
- Roland® Extra Virgin Olive Oil or neutral oil, for frying
For Sweet & Spicy Red Bell Pepper Dip
- 1 cup Roland® Fire Roasted Red Peppers
- 2 tablespoons Roland® Harissa Red Chili Spread
- 1 tablespoon Roland® Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Cook Roland Israeli Couscous according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly
- Puree Roland Aji Amarillo Sofrito in a blender or food processor until smooth
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, pureed sofrito, Roland Caramelized Onions, peas, Italian seasoning, and 2 tbsp cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture with a vibrant yellow hue
- Take a small handful of the couscous mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of halloumi in the center and wrap the mixture around it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining couscous mixture and halloumi to make 4-6 rounds
- Chill the rounds in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up
- Set up a breading station with three plates: One with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Roland Panko. Roll each round lightly in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat evenly in the panko-cornstarch mixture
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry the couscous rounds in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels
- In a blender or food processor, combine Roland Fire Roasted Red Peppers, Roland Harissa Paste, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste
- Serve the crispy couscous rounds on a platter either decoratively over a smear of the red bell pepper dip or with the dip on the side in a small bowl. Garnish with finely grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil chiffonade