Fried Pesto Rice Balls
Craving arancini but don’t have a big pot of leftover risotto laying around?
Cue these herby and delicious Fried Pesto Rice Balls, made easy by using the Planet Rice quick(er) cooking California Blonde Rice that combines the nutrient dense benefits of brown rice with the delicious flavors of white rice.
AH. MAH. ZING.
here’s what you’ll need
2 cups Planet Rice California blonde medium grain rice, cooked
1/4 cup pesto
1/2 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
2 eggs
panko breadcrumbs
sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed
canola oil
marinara
salt
pepper
here’s what you’ll need to do
Combine cooked rice, grated cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs and pesto in a bowl.
Take a small handful of the rice mix and flatten it in your hand.
Place a small cube of cheese in the middle and shape the mix into a ball around the cheese.
Roll in breadcrumbs and set aside.
Repeat until all the rice mix is gone.
Over medium heat, CAREFULLY heat a couple inches of canola oil in a heavy, deep-sided pot (like a Dutch Oven) until it reaches about 325 degrees.
Once oil is hot, carefully add rice balls.
Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Carefully remove rice balls from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve with marinara for dipping.
Enjoy!