Rice ball with cheese & pepperoni

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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the chopped parsley.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with whole wheat flour, one with the remaining 2 beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded rice balls into the oil.
3. 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

1. Once fried to a golden color, remove the rice balls from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
2. 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