What the dish is and where it came from
Supplì are Italian snacks consisting of a ball of rice—generally risotto—with tomato sauce, typical of Roman cuisine. They may have been introduced to Rome by French troops of Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century. The name is first attested in the 19th century. They were originally sold at friggitorie.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
A rice ball is filled, soaked in egg, coated with breadcrumbs, and fried—usually deep fried.
What it gets right
The stretchy mozzarella string when broken gives a playful, memorable eating experience. When broken, the mozzarella is drawn out in a string resembling a telephone cord.
What it does not
It is not vegetarian if made with chicken giblets, mincemeat, or provatura.
What it changed
The filling evolved from chicken giblets, mincemeat, or provatura to now commonly include mozzarella.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for people who enjoy handheld, fried rice snacks with cheese. It is not for those avoiding fried food, dairy, or meat-based fillings.
Is it worth your time
It is worth your time if you seek a classic Roman street snack with a simple, satisfying structure.
