Crispy Rice Balls

Vegetarian Indian Crispy Rice Balls Recipe with Carrots, Onions, and Spinach

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Crispy Rice Balls are a delicious and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dipping sauce. These rice balls are easy to make and are perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

History

The origins of crispy rice balls can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient. Rice balls are a popular street food in many Asian countries and are often served at festivals and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked rice
0.5 cup of grated carrots
0.5 cup of finely chopped onions
0.5 cup of chopped spinach (palak)
0.5 cup of rice flour (chawal ka atta)
1 tsp of ginger-green chilli paste
1 tsp of sugar
salt to taste
oil for frying

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl with 0.5 cup of water and mix thoroughly.
Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and deep-fry the balls in hot oil until they turn golden brown in color.
Remove from the oil and drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot.

Variations

You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or corn to the rice mixture for added flavor and texture. You can also add spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the rice is cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.

- You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the flavor of the rice balls.

- To make the rice balls extra crispy, you can double fry them by frying them once, letting them cool, and then frying them again.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy rice balls can be served with a sweet chili sauce or a soy dipping sauce. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the best technique for making crispy rice balls as it gives them a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the rice flour with cornstarch or all-purpose flour if you don't have rice flour on hand. You can also use leftover cooked quinoa or barley instead of rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry the rice balls. This will save you time when you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

You can serve the crispy rice balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. You can also garnish them with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Crispy rice balls pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea. They can also be served alongside other Asian-inspired dishes such as spring rolls or dumplings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Crispy rice balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of crispy rice balls contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of crispy rice balls contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of crispy rice balls contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of crispy rice balls contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Crispy rice balls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

Crispy rice balls may contain allergens such as gluten from the rice flour. Please check for any allergens before consuming.

Summary

Crispy rice balls are a delicious and crunchy snack that is relatively low in calories and fats. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crispy rice balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for parties or as a quick bite. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Enjoy these tasty rice balls with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Crispy Rice Balls caught my eye. The description described them as crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious blend of flavors that would make your taste buds dance.

I knew I had to try making them. The recipe seemed simple enough, calling for just a few basic ingredients that I already had in my pantry. I gathered the rice, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, and got to work.

As I mixed the ingredients together, I couldn't help but think back to all the wonderful meals I had enjoyed over the years. My love for cooking had been passed down through generations of strong, talented women in my family. My mother, my grandmother, and even my great-grandmother had all been exceptional cooks, each passing down their own recipes and culinary wisdom to the next generation.

I remembered watching my mother in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she whipped up delicious meals for our family. She always seemed to know exactly what to add to make a dish perfect, never needing to measure or follow a recipe exactly. I had inherited that same instinctive cooking ability, and I knew that I would be able to make these Crispy Rice Balls just as delicious as they sounded.

As I formed the mixture into balls and rolled them in breadcrumbs, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of the rice and seasonings coming together. I popped them into the oven and waited eagerly for them to cook.

When they finally emerged, golden brown and crispy, I knew I had a winner. I took a bite and was immediately transported to foodie heaven. The crunch of the breadcrumbs gave way to the soft, flavorful rice inside, and I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor every mouthful.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for my family that night, and they raved about how delicious it was. My grandchildren begged me to make it again and again, and I happily obliged.

Over the years, I have made these Crispy Rice Balls for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and parties. They have become my signature dish, the one that everyone looks forward to whenever they come to visit. I have even shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of delicious, homemade cooking that has been such a big part of my life.

As I sit here, reminiscing about all the wonderful memories I have created in the kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking. It has brought me so much joy and happiness over the years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with others.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than my Crispy Rice Balls. I guarantee they will be a hit with everyone who tries them. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe on to your own grandchildren, continuing the legacy of great cooking that has been passed down through generations of talented women in our family.