Meal: Suppli Al Telefono Of Italy

”Croquettes on the telephone,” made with cheese and rice, acquired this intriguing name as the melted cheese stretches into threads as thin as telephone wires. In Rome they are sold at sidewalk stands as snacks.

Recipe

1 medium onion, minced.

One-fourth olive oil or butter.

1 cup short or medium-grain rice.

Half cup dry white wine.

2 and a half cups of chicken broth.

One-eighth teaspoon of powdered saffron steeped in hot water.

Salt, pepper.

One-third cup grated Parmesan cheese.

4 eggs.

About one-third pound half-inch cubes of mozzarella cheese.

Flour.

Fine dry bread crumbs.

Oil or shortening for frying.

The Cooking

Saute the onion in the oil in a skillet. Add the rice and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and turn up the heat to high. Cook, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of broth. Cook slowly and add the rest of the liquid, half cup at a time. When the grains are tender and the liquid has been absorbed, add the saffron, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Stir and remove from the heat. Cool. Slightly beat 2 of the eggs and stir into the rice mixture. Chill for 30 minutes. Scoop up 2 or 3 tablespoons of the mixture in one hand. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and shape the mixture around it to form a ball. Be sure the mozzarella cube is completely enclosed. Roll each ball in flour. Dip in the remaining 2 eggs, beaten, and roll in bread crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes. Fry in hot deep fat until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper. Makes about 20 croquettes.