Italian Spinach Rice Balls
These Italian rice balls pack an abundance of delicious flavors into every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Success® Basmati Rice
- 10 cups spinach, trimmed and packed
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, divided
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 tbsp oil-packed and drained sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp basil pesto
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Capture all those irresistible Italian ingredients in these bite-sized Spinach Rice Balls. For a guaranteed crowd pleaser, get rolling on these vegetarian appetizers!
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions.
Step 2
In large skillet set over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp water and spinach. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until wilted and tender. Let cool completely. Squeeze out excess moisture and finely chop.
Step 3
In large bowl, combine rice, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper. Divide evenly into 12 balls and arrange on parchment paper–lined baking sheet.
Step 4
In medium bowl, add flour. In second medium bowl, beat remaining egg. In third medium bowl, add remaining breadcrumbs. Dredge balls in flour, dip in egg and roll in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Transfer back to parchment paper–lined sheet.
Step 5
In high-sided skillet set over medium heat, add enough oil to come 2 inches up sides of skillet and heat oil until shimmering or to 350°F. In batches to avoid crowding, fry balls, turning once, for 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate.
Recipe Tips:
For a dinner party, prepare rice balls early in the day. Refrigerate until ready to use and reheat in 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serve any leftover rice balls as a snack or side dish alongside warm tomato sauce for dipping.
Mocktail Pairing Recipes:
Pair Italian Spinach Rice Balls with a Fizzy Lemonade drink or Virgin Mary Mocktail.
Fizzy Lemonade:
-Sugar
-Water
-Lemon Peel and Juice
-Club Soda or Seltzer WaterHow to Make: Heat the sugar and water over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon peel in steps and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncover for 5 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer everything to a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice; cover and refrigerate until chilled. Discard lemon strips. Stir in club soda or seltzer water and serve over ice.
Virgin Mary Mocktail:
-Tomato juice
-Lemon juice
-Worcestershire sauce
-Celery salt
-Pepper
-Hot sauce (tabasco)How to Make: Combine the tomato juice and lemon juice together along with some ice cubes. Once these ingredients have been mixed together, add in the Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, pepper and hot sauce. Mix well and then serve!
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