Cheese Filled Rice Croquettes Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 18 croquettes
🥣 Recipe Yield: Varies
Description:
These Cheese Filled Rice Croquettes are a delightful antipasto or a perfect snack, and they’re surprisingly easy to make despite their intricate appearance. Whether served as a starter or a quick bite, they’re bound to impress with their gooey cheese center and crispy exterior. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 8 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 18 small cubes of mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock (approximately)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (for serving)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
-
Melt Butter:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Cook Onion:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the melted butter and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
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Add Rice:
- Stir in the arborio rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the buttery mixture.
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Cook Rice:
- Pour in approximately 4 cups of stock, enough to cover the rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
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Continue Cooking:
- Gradually add more stock as needed, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook until tender yet firm, and a thick sauce forms.
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Remove from Heat:
- Once the rice reaches the desired consistency, remove the skillet from heat.
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Add Cheese and Eggs:
- Quickly stir in the grated parmesan cheese and beaten eggs while the rice is still hot, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Season the mixture with pepper to taste.
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Cool Rice Mixture:
- Spread the rice mixture evenly onto a baking tray and allow it to cool completely.
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Portion the Mixture:
- Divide the cooled rice mixture into 18 equal portions.
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Fill with Mozzarella:
- Take one portion of the rice mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully wrap the rice mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.
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Coat in Breadcrumbs:
- Roll each cheese-filled rice ball in breadcrumbs until evenly coated, providing a crispy outer layer once fried.
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Fry the Croquettes:
- In a deep saucepan, heat oil for frying. When the oil is hot, carefully add the rice croquettes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally for even cooking.
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Drain and Serve:
- Once fried to perfection, remove the croquettes from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the cheese-filled rice croquettes hot, accompanied by your favorite tomato sauce for dipping.
Enjoy these delightful Cheese Filled Rice Croquettes as a tasty appetizer, snack, or party treat. Their crunchy exterior and oozing cheese center are sure to make them a hit at any gathering!
