Aunt Clara’s Rice Balls 🍚🌟
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Varies
Description:
My great-aunt Clara’s rice balls are not just appetizers; they’re a culinary journey into comfort and flavor. With a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, cheesy center, these rice balls are a testament to simple yet delicious cooking. Whether served as appetizers or enjoyed as a full meal with a side salad, Aunt Clara’s rice balls are sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delightful. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice, making them both economical and delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor the goodness of these delightful rice balls!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Bread crumbs
- Cooking oil, for frying
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beaten egg, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together. |
| 2 | Shape the Rice Balls: Using an ice cream scoop, portion out the rice mixture to form balls. With your hands, gently roll each portion into a compact ball. |
| 3 | Coat the Balls: Roll each rice ball in flour, ensuring an even coating. Then, dip the floured ball into the beaten egg, coating it entirely. Finally, roll the ball in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat this process for all the rice balls. |
| 4 | Fry the Rice Balls: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated rice balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the rice balls until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. |
| 5 | Serve Warm: Once golden and crispy, remove the rice balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the rice balls warm, either as appetizers or as a main course alongside a fresh salad. |
| 6 | Enjoy Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick and satisfying snack or meal. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 411.6
- Fat: 11.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.8g
- Cholesterol: 120.9mg
- Sodium: 363.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18.3g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even cooked vegetables to the rice mixture.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the rice balls in the oven instead of frying them. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the coated rice balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- These rice balls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
