Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice (cooked and cooled)
- 4 eggs (2 for the mixture, 2 for breading)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parsley (chopped) to taste
- 150 grams of mozzarella cheese (grated, plus extra for stuffing if desired)
- 1 slice of Calabrese sausage (grated or finely chopped)
- 3 heaping tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- Breadcrumbs for breading
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Rice Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the chopped parsley.
- Crack 2 eggs into the mixture and add the grated mozzarella and Calabrese. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 2: Form the Rice Balls
- Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix again, this time using your hands, until the mixture is firm enough to form balls.
- Take about a tablespoon of the rice mixture and form it into a ball. If you want to add more mozzarella in the center, press a cube of cheese into the middle of the rice ball and then encase it with more rice mixture.
Step 3: Bread the Rice Balls
- Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with whole wheat flour, one with the remaining 2 beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Rice Balls
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be enough to cover the rice balls or at least half submerge them.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded rice balls into the oil.
- Fry the balls, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown all over. This should take about 4-5 minutes depending on the size of the balls.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Once fried to a golden color, remove the rice balls from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Allow them to cool for a minute or two, as the inside will be very hot.
Serve these delicious rice balls warm, with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy center!
Note: Be sure to control the heat of your oil so that the rice balls don’t brown too quickly on the outside before the heat has a chance to melt the cheese on the inside