Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked rice
• 4 eggs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Parsley to taste
• 150 grams of grated mozzarella
• 1 slice of grated pepperoni (calabrese)
• 3 heaping tablespoons of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder
• Breadcrumbs for breading

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, salt, black pepper, 2 eggs, and chopped parsley. Stir well for about a minute to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
   • Add the grated mozzarella, grated pepperoni, whole wheat flour, and baking powder. Mix everything with your hands until a firmer dough forms.
2. Form the Balls:
   • Take a tablespoon of the dough and shape it into small balls. If you prefer, you can flatten the dough in your hands, add a small cube of mozzarella in the center, and then reshape it into a ball.
3. Bread the Balls:
   • Roll each ball in whole wheat flour.
   • Beat the remaining 2 eggs in a separate bowl. Dip the floured balls into the beaten eggs.
   • Roll the balls in breadcrumbs until they are fully coated.
4. Fry the Balls:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F or 175°C).
   • Fry the rice balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the rice balls hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Enjoy your delicious rice balls with cheese and pepperoni!