Rice meatballs

Rice meatballs - a delicacy that is easy to prepare, perfect for a savory meal or as an appetizer at a gathering with friends. These meatballs are not only delicious but also very versatile, as they can be served both as a main dish and as a side. I invite you to discover this simple and quick recipe that combines textures and flavors in a captivating way.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g cheese (grated)
- 25 g flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon bell pepper (from a jar, diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for greasing the tray)
- Breadcrumbs (for a crispy crust)

Preparation of rice meatballs:

1. Cooking the rice:
Start by boiling the rice. In a pot, add 300 ml of water, a teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried vegetables. Add the finely chopped onion for extra flavor. When the water starts to boil, add the rice and let it boil according to the package instructions (usually about 15 minutes). The rice should be well cooked but not mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture. Once done, drain it and let it cool.

2. Preparing the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, lightly beat the two eggs with a fork until the egg whites and yolks are well combined. Add the cooled rice, grated cheese, flour, chopped parsley, and diced bell pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Forming the meatballs:
Take a portion of the rice mixture and form meatballs of the desired size, usually about the size of a golf ball. After shaping them, roll each meatball in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well coated. This will give a delicious crispy crust when baked.

4. Baking the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with a little oil and place the meatballs in the tray, leaving some space between them for even baking. Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

5. Preparing the sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a simple tomato and mushroom sauce. In a pan, add a little oil, sliced mushrooms, and tomato sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes.

6. Serving:
Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and place them on a platter. Pour the tomato and mushroom sauce over the meatballs and serve them hot. These rice meatballs can be accompanied by a fresh salad or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese or add spices like sweet paprika or herbs to customize the flavor of the meatballs.
- If you prefer a stronger taste, you can add some chopped black olives or a few pieces of crispy bacon to the rice mixture.
- Make sure the rice is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- These meatballs can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them easy to reheat when needed.

Nutritional benefits:
These rice meatballs are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, thanks to the ingredients used. Rice provides energy, while the addition of vegetables and cheese brings essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but the cooking time for brown rice is longer, so make sure it is well cooked.
- Can I replace the eggs? You can use an egg substitute to make them vegan, but the texture may vary.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, the rice meatballs can be frozen after baking, but make sure to let them cool completely before storing.

These rice meatballs are not just a simple recipe but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. I invite you to try them and share this culinary experience with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!