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National Rice Ball Day

Food · April 19

National Rice Ball Day is about rice shaped into handheld balls, from Japanese onigiri to fried Italian arancini, and the many ways people fill them.

National Rice Ball Day falls on Monday, April 19, 2027. That is 174 days away.

Rice balls are just what they sound like: cooked rice pressed or rolled into a shape you can hold in one hand. Plenty of food cultures have arrived at the idea on their own, which says something about how useful it is.

In Japan, onigiri are made from short grain rice that holds together when pressed. They are often shaped into triangles, wrapped in a strip of nori, and tucked around a filling such as salted salmon, pickled plum or tuna with mayonnaise. They travel well and turn up in lunch boxes and convenience store coolers.

Italy takes a different route. Arancini, a Sicilian specialty, start with seasoned rice (often risotto) wrapped around fillings like ragù, peas or mozzarella. They are breaded and fried until the outside turns golden. The name comes from the Italian word for little oranges, and a good one does look a bit like fruit.

Making rice balls at home is mostly a matter of the right rice and damp hands. Sticky, starchy varieties cling together. Long grain rice tends to fall apart, which is fine for a pilaf and less fine for something you plan to eat while walking. Wetting your palms with a little salted water keeps the rice from sticking to you instead of to itself.

Leftover rice from last night's dinner is a common starting point, especially for arancini, since cooled rice is easier to shape than rice straight from the pot.

Ways to celebrate

• Try shaping onigiri at home with leftover short grain rice and nori.
• Look for arancini at a local Italian deli or bakery.
• Experiment with a new filling, like pickled plum or mozzarella.
• Pack a rice ball in tomorrow's lunch.
• Share a favorite rice ball recipe with a friend.

Dates

All national days on April 19

Also on April 19

• Patriots' Day
• National Garlic Day
• National Amaretto Day
• National Chicken Parmesan Day
• National Hanging Out Day
• Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

Categories: Food days