Mini Rice Balls

Mini rice balls

Makes 12

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup rice
• 2/3 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoon finely grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 12 small cubes of mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fine wholemeal breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for deep frying.

Method

1. Heat small amount of oil in pan and cook onion and garlic until soft
2. Add rice and stir until coated
3. Add combined stock and tomato paste and bring to boil. Simmer over low heat for about 10 mins until rice is soft. Allow to cool
4. Stir in grated cheddar cheese and egg
5. Using your hand, mould rice mixture around cubes of mozzatella cheese to make a ball shape
6. Gently toss in breadcrumbs, then refrigerate for 2 hour until firm
7. Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry rice balls until brown. Drain on absorbent paper

Note: For a healthier alternative , spray balls with oil and shallow fry or oven bake, turning balls once during baking. The nutrient analysis is for the baked balls.