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Polpette di Riso (Rice Meatballs)

Italian45 Minutes
Punchline

Enjoy a hearty dish that reminds you of warm family dinners and Italian traditions!

ingredients
rice1cup
ground beef1pound
parmesan cheese1/2cup
egg1
bread crumbs1cup
parsley1/4cup
garlic2cloves
salt1/2teaspoon
black pepper1/4teaspoon
oilfor frying
instructions
    1

    Begin by cooking the rice in a pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to drain it well after cooking.

    2

    While the rice is cooking, finely chop the parsley and garlic cloves. Set them aside.

    3

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef, grated parmesan cheese, the chopped parsley and garlic, one egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

    4

    With your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should have around 12-15 meatballs.

    5

    Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them.

    6

    Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.

    7

    Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

    8

    Serve hot, and enjoy them with marinara sauce or a side of your choice!

Servings

4

How to be creative
  • Add different herbs such as basil or thyme for a unique twist.
  • Incorporate vegetables into the meatball mixture, like grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach.
  • Serve with a variety of sauces like pesto or a spicy tomato sauce for different flavor profiles.
Important Tips
  • Make sure the rice is completely cool before mixing it with the meat to avoid cooking the egg too much.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of meat such as chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • If the mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs until it holds together well for shaping.
nutritions
  • fat: 15g
  • fiber: 2g
  • protein: 25g
  • calories: 300
  • carbohydrates: 30g
Health impact

These rice meatballs provide a good source of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying meal option while also being rich in essential nutrients from the added vegetables and herbs.