Rice Pizzettes
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
These Rice Pizzettes are a delightful twist on traditional pizza, featuring a creamy rice base topped with melted mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect as a finger food for parties or a unique appetizer at dinner gatherings, these pizzettes are sure to impress your guests with their delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli Rice | 300g |
| Tomato Passata | 200g |
| Grana Padano DOP (Grated) | 100g |
| Fiordilatte Mozzarella (Cubed) | 300g |
| Yellow Onions | 1 |
| Fresh Basil | To taste |
| Butter | 40g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Onion and Sauce:
Start by finely chopping the yellow onion. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add the onion. Stir in a ladle of water and a pinch of salt, then cover the pan. Let the onions cook for about 30 minutes, until soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base. -
Cook the Rice:
In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil. Add the Carnaroli rice to the pan and sauté it briefly. Then, reduce the heat slightly and begin adding warm water, little by little, stirring often. Cook the rice for 9-10 minutes, until it absorbs the water and becomes tender. Season with a pinch of salt. -
Combine Rice with Tomato Sauce:
Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the prepared onion mixture. Stir well to allow the flavors to meld together. Add the fresh basil leaves, torn by hand, and mix everything together. Turn off the heat, and stir in the Grana Padano cheese, allowing it to melt and give the rice a creamy consistency. -
Shape the Pizzettes:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the rice mixture on the tray in an even layer. Using a round cutter (about 10-12 cm in diameter), press down to create six rice discs. Gather the leftover rice and quickly form additional discs, ensuring you have six total. -
Cook the Pizzettes:
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the rice discs to the pan, cooking them until the bottom is golden brown. Once the first side is nicely browned, flip the discs over. Sprinkle the cubed Fiordilatte mozzarella over the top of the discs, then cover the pan with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes. -
Serve:
Remove the pizzettes from the pan and arrange them on a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy these crispy, cheesy rice pizzettes as a delicious appetizer or party snack!
These Rice Pizzettes are a fun and inventive dish that combines the comforting elements of risotto with the crispy charm of pizza. The combination of creamy rice, melted mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a perfect bite. Whether you serve them at a casual get-together or as part of a special meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy!
