Suppli al Telefono

You might think that the Suppli, Rome's most famous and iconic street food, is a distant cousin of Sicilian arancini. That's an easy way to piss off a Roman. It's actually more inspired by the French than the Italians — it's closer to a French croquette than an Italian arancini. The word suppli means surprise in French. It comes from the Napoleonic occupation of Italy in the 19th century, thought to be linked to the croquette de riz from France. The Italians added a piece of mozzarella inside, and the French were like "suppli," surprised by the filling, and the name stuck. Its true name, Suppli al telefono, comes from the resemblance to a telephone wire, back when we had them, once you pull it apart. A much easier and more practical Italian rice ball to bring from Italy into your home. This is suppli al telefono.