Italian Grandma Makes Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

ARANCINI (Italian Rice Balls)
Rice:
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ cup finely chopped Onion
6 cups Water
2 teaspoons Salt
¼ teaspoons Black Pepper
3 cups Short Grain Rice (Arborio Rice)
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
Meat & Sauce Filling:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ cup Onion, finely chopped
1 Celery Stalk, finely chopped
1 Carrot, finely chopped
Hot Red Pepper Flakes, optional
1 pound Ground Beef
Salt & Black Pepper to taste
6 ounces Tomato Paste
1 cup Water
4 ounces frozen Peas, run under water before using
6 Fresh Basil Leaves
½ pound Mozzarella, shredded or diced small
Forming Balls:
3 Eggs + Salt & Black Pepper
1½ cups plain Bread Crumbs + Salt & Black Pepper
Vegetable Oil for frying
Salt to sprinkle over cooked balls, optional
Marinara Sauce on the side for dipping, optional
COOKBOOK: "Cooking with Grandma Gina" is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook. Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. It is in the province of Foggia in the Puglia region of southeast Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina enjoys making food for her family in the same old fashion ways as she was taught by her mother and grandmother in Italy, and also new things she has subsequently learned from family and friends in America. She also enjoys gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.
Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.
Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.
Why don’t we buy her a new...?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!
Who is behind the camera and behind the scenes?
Grandma Gina’s retired son-in-law, Nick, does the filming, editing, production, and channel management. Her daughter, Maria, helps with food preparation, kitchen setup and fan support. Also, Grandma Gina usually has one or two grand-kids in the kitchen to help.
Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.
Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

[@mariacasella6474]

Thumbs up for our Nonna she is a godly woman,amazing,wonderful,beautiful,sweet,funny,beautiful voice when she sings,shares the most wonderful stories of her childhood,loves her family always humble,we just wanna hug her💐💐

[@HopeLaFleur1975]

Yes they don't make women like this any longer! That's for sure❤

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

Amen. I truly would love to hug her🤙🤙🤙🤙✝️✝️✝️

[@bijou737]

I love her! I wish I could be in her kitchen with her learning and eating all her beautiful dishes!!!

[@christinemadrazo6755]

God bless this lovely lady.

[@annaattard1548]

Yes, I love her so much nonna Gina❤

[@cloud_busting]

Gina is a national treasure ❤

[@steve051968]

My grandmother and my mother were born in Italy. They aren’t with me anymore but Gina brings back so many wonderful memories! I close my eyes and when Gina talks it sounds like my grandmother!

[@marbleriver3365]

This is one of, if not the best cooking channel on YT, So clear and straightforward (the text pop-ups for the ingredient amounts show up at the right time) and the lighting and camera-work are perfect. And then there's Gina's irresistible personality. Great job to everyone who makes this channel available.

[@aja1108]

Literally

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

Sure is♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🎯👍🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@faradigiorgio6019]

La Nia Nonna, te amo💘💖💗💓 Palermatana?

[@janemartin229]

Congratulations--I see you got your 1 million subscriber plaque from KZbin. That is wonderful and you have every right to be proud. We love you and thank you for all the wonderful videos you've made sharing your cooking with us. Keep up the good work!

[@jasonibiza7993]

Congratulation on your 1M+ subs... you deserve more...

[@jasonibiza7993]

Great recipe here... everybody in the family will for sure love it... thanks Gina for sharing this... as always you made things look easy... 💙💙💙

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

Aloha from Hawaii 🤙🏽🤙🏽🎺✝️🌺🌴❤️🎚

[@ghylmarie9110]

Wow! That’s wonderful news, she deserves it and definitely a national treasure ❤

[@vaprebluemike7520]

Every time I watch Gina, I feel like I have stepped back in time with my grandmother. Oh how I wish we had the technology back then to record her making all of those recipes that were in her head. I was too young to appreciate it all. I know you realize what a treasure Gina is. If I could I would give her great big hug. Thank you for sharing her with the world.

[@majaveljovic5539]

What a wonderful woman! How happy she is when she makes her family happy! So meticulous, so patient, so loving! Many younger women would have something to learn from her! ❤

[@sarkyfarky8679]

And men!

[@majaveljovic5539]

@@sarkyfarky8679 👍🏻

[@lorirobbins1099]

You may be from Italy originally, but you are our national treasure Nonna Gina. Thank you for sharing your recipes and sweet spirit with us❤️

[@tonimarie503]

Hello Gina. I love watching your videos. I miss my mother so much and watching your videos is such a comfort to me. She used to make Sicilian food for our family. Her favorite was arancini and she never got to teach me. Now you taught me and I can make them. Thank you dear, Gina. God bless you. You are beautiful!! ~ Toni Marie

[@jeannettethorsby7085]

My Nonna & Nonno immigrated to America from Italy. My genitori tried to keep the traditions alive with us. When I hear Nonna Gina talk it reminds me of all of them. I miss them very much. Their all with God in heaven. My mother made these for us. But I never learned this recipe. Thank you for showing me. I'm not fluent with Italian but as you speak I remember certain words 🙂🦋

[@lindapotter5750]

I understand how you miss your friends that have passed on...I am the youngest at 75 years old. All my family and many friends have died leaving me behind. It's sad, but, we find new friends. Never replacing the ones that are gone, but, teaching us new things to help us to carry on. I love you Gina....😊❤🙃

[@victoriasmith6825]

Nonnie GiGi, thank you for keeping my culture alive. My Nonnie passed away nearly 12 years ago the 3rd of July. I think of her every single day. I loved having coffee with Nonnie. We spent nearly weekend together with my Nonno. I miss her and know she is in heaven. :) I just wish I had her recipes. You know us Italians...we add untill our ancestors wisper quietly in our ears "enough child". ❤😂🎉

[@sillyalena]

😂😅 you have me laughing and crying at the same time love love love this😊 so so true!

[@siglap2010]

Thank you Nonna. You are so cute . I am watching you from Singapore. Sending you love too Nonna

[@michaelmichael7250]

When I hear Nonna she’s making something in the kitchen it reminds me of of all I times I would go my Nonna house in Ridgewood, Queens right after work with my father to check on her. She would always have something for us to bring home for dinner. We all love you Nonna this I haven’t had in many years.

[@DDK62]

Nonna Gina is so right! My mother never made them . Until I met a Sicilian woman who I worked with made them . Now I know how to make them thanks to nonna!❤ It’s a shame our society has lost the time to cook or family to cook for! God bless Bella Gina & family ✝️

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

There was a pizza parlor I used to go to in Manhattan, and they had many dishes for the lunch crowd, like chicken and veal cutlets, eggplant, many trays, all prepared by one Nonna in the basement, and she also made arrancini. I don't know how she did it all. Including the pizza sauce. She must have started very early, like 6 AM.

[@DDK62]

@@nonenoneonenonenone your story reminded me of my childhood in Boston & my mother giving me 50 cents to go down the street to a friends nonnas garden & buy basil & then $2.00 to pick up another friends nonna who made fresh raviolis in her basement! The basil was as big as my head & I could barely carry all the ravi’s! Nonna Gina brings it all flooding back in memories & in this channels heart! God bless❤

[@sylviaaguirre8114]

Thank you, Miss Gina, for the great video. God bless you and your family! ❤

[@romeotoscano1780]

I am French of Sicilian origin on my mother's and father's parents' sides. from Trapani and Pantelleria we do not prepare this recipe. more like ricotta, leg in sauce, garlic leg, cannelloni, mint ricotta ravioli, with meat, chard soup, snails in sauce, cauliflower leg, couscous..........

[@planetaryPoem9]

I loved her eyes when she wished for peace and told us to pray. She reminds me of my nonna Giulietta. I hope somebody reads to her these wonderful comments and from me: sei un vero tesoro nonna Gina!

[@beauti4ash]

Nona always makes me smile . I don’t understand what’s she’s singing about, but I love it when she sings. God bless you and your family ❤️❤️❤️

[@1fortony]

Miss Gina is a timeless beauty. She has such a precious heart. It gives me great joy to watch her cook and listen to her sing. Thank you Miss Gina

[@priscillawakefield8439]

And squeeze!! And stuff! Ah, she knows English better than I know Italian. Gina is amazing! Thank you all for sharing her life with the world!!

[@thebest41or2]

Note what she says: "I like to make, I like to eat, and I like to give to somebody" that's what makes this Nonna the dearly and heavenly lady that she is "cooking, enjoying and above all sharing" god bless you Nonna...I can't watch enough of you...ciao ti amo ❤

[@teresatwinkie3975]

I love her very much she is amazing person and a cooker 👍🏼🩷May God Nless her and her beautiful family ✝️🙏🏽

[@maryjodunn1312]

I watch this show pretty often just to hear Grandma talk and sing because she is a replica of my little Italian Grandma who I was lucky to have til I was 35. I never watch this show without crying!! God bless Grandma and her family who I know helps her.

[@vickyderose4139]

Giao Gina, Molto grazie, Bravissima. Vittoria

[@Momoffour57rose]

You are such a sweet beautiful person. I love learning from you ,Nonna ♥️

[@nancyjasso8057]

I could listen to you all day. I want to make them . Thank you from Wyoming Nancy 😅

[@carmeladowling6531]

I love watching her cooking. She gives me some ideas but two things. She repeats what she says says 1 million times and she loves her salt.

[@Philanthrop007]

Ginaaa... you are such a fun loving happy person. When I see and hear you, my sun rises. I want to dance and sing with you for joy. You always give us wonderful recipes. Many thanks to you dear Gina, Phil from Germany🙋‍♀️

[@KristinahaileyPermanentMakeup]

Thank you Nonna Gina… I made your Arancini rice balls. Yes you are correct… it is long process/time and it was soooo well worth it….. they are Delicious! I love them so much and I love you even more❤❤❤ I did not form the balls in my hands . Instead I purchased Arancinotto stamps per fare Arancinetti. It was much easier and faster for me. I appreciate how hard you work when you made them by hand. Thank you and may God Bless and give you Long and healthy Life! Ciao!!!

[@eddysavio9037]

Thank god for KZbin which can record for all time the traditions of our elders to be passed down to future generations to keep the traditions going.

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

One lesson we can all learn from Gina if it’s just one thing…to be organised in the kitchen…get everything weighted first and lined up ready…work neatly ..now when I cook I hear Gina…and I’m reminded to be tidy…bless you 👏🏻🇬🇧

[@terririccobuono4492]

I love your Nonna. She reminds me of my mom.

[@Angelfeather100]

God bless Nonna! ❤️🌺👏 Ciao from Australia

[@lauriebradley8295]

I always cherish Gina with her heartfelt recipes, stories and songs. Thank you Gina and camera person.🙏🏼❤️

[@fhlwrhqrhqfnb]

I was completely caught off-guard when Grandma Gina started singing. I immediately felt so content and at-home. This is my first of your videos Grandma Gina, but if you don't, please sing much more! If you had a channel of literally just cooking and singing without any instruction, I would watch it daily. Few things in life are so soothing. Thank you for the great video. I look forward to trying the recipe!

[@frankrizzo4460]

My grandparents on my Mother's side were from Naples and Sicily they would make these always around Christmas and Easter time. Thanks for the videos may God bless you and your family 🙏☕🍷

[@robingianturco7830]

Una grande Nonna,imparate e conservate voi giovani new generation il passaggio tramandato dai nostri Avi❤

[@Charlie-wood]

A beautiful lady creating amazing food! Thank you so much. Blessings to you and a very happy Easter from UK. ❤

[@robertju6352]

It's such a Delight to see Nonna Gina in the kitchen, Always Happy with a Big Smile on her face cooking Delish food for the family!!! Take care, stay cool & May God Bless you Always! Ciao. 😍💋🙏🙏♥️. Nina in Seattle WA USA

[@bracha2u786]

She is delightful. I am not Italian and, yet, she reminds me of loved ones lost from the last generation. She is a treasure. May she have many more years in good health!

[@noreena865]

I love her. She reminds me of my old school relatives who have all since passed away. Today’s generations are just not the same. Stay blessed Nonna. ❤

[@dianec3279]

I tried my first arancini at a restaurant last month and I was looking for a good easy recipe to see if I could make my own. Well, here it is! These look amazing! Thank you Gina for all your amazing recipes! God Bless! 🤗❤️

[@catmansma]

Yay!. A recipe from Gina never can go wrong

[@doristessier3683]

I made arancini it's a lot of work. You can use whatever filling you like. I like Italian sausage with onions. Garlic ,artichoke, cheese etc. Grandma Gina cooks for an army. So cute & full of life. Such a inspiration to all of us. God bless y o u grandma & many many years a head of cooking💝😁

[@betsi4949]

Looks yummy

[@terryulmer969]

What else did they serve this with?

[@tweetyuno]

Grandma is a long time since I didn't get your videos. You look great. Thank You for sharing your culinary knowledge. A big kiss from New York.❤

[@whiteorchid02]

You’re such a treasure Nonna Gina ♥️

[@Benni777]

Always a good day when Gina uploads! Hope you’re staying cool, Gina! ☺️

[@caseyconsuegra1156]

My great grandmother was from Cuba and she cooked for us all the time. There were so many recipes that she cooked that she learned while living in Cuba. She passed away in 2018, but every time I watch one of your videos, Gina, I think of my Abuela. Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@myjo24de]

Gina, I love when you sing! It reminds me of my sainted Italian father. He would sing and whistle when he was cooking, too. ❤ My grandmother was Sicilian and she made arancini. Wonderful memories! Bless you!

[@mollyswanner1607]

I love the singing. It seems like it could be for any country,any language, anywhere.

[@warmlantern0000]

I lived in Sicily twice. Bc I have family there. I miss this so much. Very good. I want to make. My ex husband Cuban they eat simular ones called papa frittas . ❤ they sell these in cafes and on side of road.

[@oneitalia2312]

Lighting candles in the Monastery for Gina and her family ❤⛪♥️🌹🇮🇹♥️

[@niksand1713]

Grandma Gina is such a blessing to her family and her viewers!

[@oneitalia2312]

Arancini = ❤ Labor of Love ❤ Beautifully Sung By Beautiful Gina❤ 🇮🇹🏆🥇❤

[@robertluzzo2172]

You make me miss my grandmother. She talked broken English. But I understood everything she said. Yes, you do make me miss her.

[@mariainct8514]

Bravo Nonna Gina. You are wonderful and the arancini look delicious.

[@siva_canjeevaram]

I did not even eat the rice balls, but now my heart is full!

[@maddellenamansi235]

I love watching Nonna. It’s like listening to my mother♥️

[@Seniorachica]

My favorite moment is when you bless 🙏🏼 your delicious food (and your viewers) with a song. Amen. Thank you grandma.❤️

[@oneitalia2312]

The Well-Deserved KZbin Award displayed proudly to her left!!! Do you think, in her wildest dreams (at her glorious age) she would be a KZbin Cooking Sensation worthy of an award?! How wonderful!❤ Mr. Son-In-Law, how happy you have made her. God Bless You!❤🎉❤

[@ita40200]

Tough week, here comes Friday, I get back from work tired as hell, put Gina cooking and just relax like I'm watching a good old movie for the weekend.

[@bigmacftn7662]

Just finished making these! They are a labor of love... lol

[@joannatrosettefloral1369]

I miss my grandma when I watch her . God bless !!❤

[@JohnnyUtah15]

That looks so delicious! Thank you Ms. Gina! It’s great to see you cooking and singing again with another video. God bless and have a blessed day.

[@nievesarriola3713]

Brava Nonna Gina! You remind me so much of my mother. She was Spanish, but cooked with the same passion, fun and song as you do I miss her, but can watch you to remember her. What a pity we did not make videos of her. Gracias abuela!

[@gaylaalbrecht7126]

I love watching you cook and sing. You remind me so much of my grandma. She loved to cook for her family like you do. Your recipes are great and so are you.

[@Airedale721]

God bless you!🙏❤️🇨🇮❤️🙏

[@w.s.4482]

You better be good for Grandma hello Gina Lola Brigida❤❤

[@mzkatbee463]

I just discovered this channel today and enjoyed it so much. I just finished watching 3hrs of various videos. What a lovely, sweet woman.

[@grantkozera3656]

Thank you to Grandma Gina's family realize her importance in history. Teaches us more than cooking. She teaches work ethic in today's off the rails society. She teaches a time when women did the cooking with no prepackaged foods,just time tested recipes. When today's society are so concerned about their looks and themselves,Botox etc ..she concentrated on the family. The good Lord has blessed us with you Gina.

[@cristinaaltobelli4860]

Very wise words echoing what most decent people think...the world seems to have lost its soul....Cx

[@kayhaveman2325]

We love you Gina. I’ll pray for our country , the world, and for you and your family. ❤️

[@angelagardner3779]

Love Grandma Gina❤️❤️❤️

[@Karmaisagod8228]

Thank you Nona for your beautiful recipes and great singing love hearing you sing in the kitchen 💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺💐🌺

[@madelinescreations7955]

She is soo cute love watching her

[@patriciav5826]

One delightful Italian Grandmother, who truly loves her family, friends, and the Art of Italian Cooking! Gina, I can't wait to make these!!

[@henrycooks1883]

Gina you are a treasure, made me hungry, made me laugh, reminded me of my Italian grandmother, what more could anyone ask for.

[@franceskloos1297]

I am so happy Gina that you showed us how to make these rice balls, I did not know how now I do thanks to you and this wonderful video!! I just love you Gina I have learned so much from you about Italian cooking you are so special, continue making these beautiful videos❤️❤️💐💐

[@keilo-lo3563]

I love you grandma!!!!

[@francescacastiglione7094]

Aracini will always be my favorite tasty memory of my childhood trips to Sicily years ago. We would get them as a delicious snack after spending a warm day at the beach. Mille grazie, Gina!

[@berthaaraque8681]

Dear Grandma: It is so nice to see you cooking! Thanks for the recipe, God Bless you. Greetings from California 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@questionmark9819]

My favourite nonna is back 🎉 hello Gina 😊

[@sheryldiamond5055]

I had in Italy, came home and made for Christmas Eve, Family went crazy!!

[@paulagirl3260]

❤❤❤❤❤ you and everything you make

[@rghaw]

Hello Gina! My dad side of family is Sicilian and we make arancini a lot! We love it. Thank you for sharing my culture! Love from Sicilians!

[@Nonsensically]

What a blessed family to have such an amazing Nona in your lives. ❤

[@danutatobijasz3902]

Dziękuję za pyszny przepis. Jest Pani cudowną kobietą co pięknie gotuje. Zawsze oglądam i korzystam z Pani świetnej kuchni. Pozdrawiam z Polski 🇵🇱🥰💞

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

Aloha from Hawaii🌼🌴🌺✝️

[@marymauldin3229]

What a beautiful lady. So full of spirit.

[@barbarakite3669]

Grandma Gina! Thank you for inviting us to your kitchen and sharing your love for cooking with us. It is contagious! You are such a sweetheart! Thank you for putting smile on my face the minute I start watching each of your videos! Your recipes are delicious 😋 and your instructions so easy to follow! Great filming too! I think I can say we all love you too! Lots of blessings to you and your family ❤

[@carmenrobles7501]

From Mexico, thank you, I'm going to make it. It seems delicious. God bless you

[@jaydee514]

❤️ bravo bravo ❤️

[@monicagrissom8141]

I just Love this beautiful lady!! Haven't watched her in awhile, family and health issues but I also love the way she cooks!

[@richardsemione7012]

Gina, my brother-in-law makes these with just mozzarella cheese inside without the meat and extra veggies. Yours look delicious. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful recipes with your loving fans. God bless you and your family. We love you. ❤ You are everybody's Italian grandmother.

[@AhmedJawara]

She has been a great mentor on many people's life.

[@trishjacobs7675]

I absolutely love grandma Gina. I feel like I’m in my grandmas kitchen surrounded by warmth only a grandma gives and making delicious food. Thank you❤

[@GinaRae1964]

Nonna Gina is looking and cooking so good. ❤ Thank you xxx

[@mariacasella6474]

I love your cookbook and make your recipes very often,we need a second cookbook now 🙏🥰

[@polettirosahomestead7075]

What would I do without grandma Gina. Love her, wish she was my grandma

[@weeniehutjunior]

Congratulations on a MILLION subscribers! I am so happy for you! Very well deserved! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ericastones9359]

I love this woman!❤️

[@babsk4071]

❤WONDERFUL 😋💐

[@melindawood3644]

Thank you Gina for that lovely recipe and your beautiful song! 💝💐

[@zitamariebadrov9578]

Thank you for your wonderful recipe ❤ You are a gift to us all! Love you Nona Gina❤❤❤

[@marshaowen6988]

Thank you. It was beautiful. So good to hear Nonna talk and watch her cook. 😊❤

[@ImallamaToo]

She's just precious. 😍 Congratulations on over a million subscribers!