Suppli Al Telefono

Suppli are even more ubiquitous here in Roma than the free water fountains. They are found in just about every pizzeria and trattoria with differing levels of quality and different ingredients inside. Generally, they are risotto rice, ragu, egg and mozzarella rolled in fine bread crumbs but the combinations are only limited by your imagination.

Meganne, ace suppli maker and eater!

Next time you make a ragu, reserve a little or make a little more than you need. Freeze it or use it the next couple of days. Cook your rice (risotto rice is used here) add the ragu. Let the mixture cool. Test for salt. Add an egg and mix. In the palm of your hand form half of a little egg shaped ball. Then add a little mozzarella or some other melty cheese. Add the other half of the "egg" and then form it in your hand. Roll them in the bread crumbs (add a little salt to the bread crumbs). Deep fry at 350 for about 4 minutes depending on the size of the suppli. Since everything is already cooked you just want the cheese to melt.


This is something that I tried (and failed) to make back home for my family. They were a total failure though my lovely family placated me by telling my they were good. Why? Because I forget the egg that binds everything together so when you drop them in the oil they don't fall apart!

They are called "Suppli Al Telefono" because when you break them open the melted cheese stretches and looks like a telephone line! Well, at least to the Italians it does!