Mushroom risotto balls
Mushroom risotto balls combine creamy risotto and crispy breading for a delightful appetizer. Cooked with mushrooms and parmesan, these bites are fried to golden perfection.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 115 min
Ingredients:
3 cups chicken gravy2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 cup mushrooms
1 cup white rice
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
3 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
Mushroom risotto balls are a delightful twist on the classic Italian risotto. These savory bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a delicious appetizer or main course. Using simple ingredients like mushrooms, rice, and parmesan cheese, you can create a dish that's both comforting and elegant.
Instructions:
- Heat the chicken gravy in a pot over medium heat until it simmers. Keep it warm on low heat.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the white rice to the mushroom mixture in the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the oil and juices. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Begin adding the warm chicken gravy, one ladleful at a time, to the rice and mushroom mixture. Stir frequently until each ladleful of gravy is absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked through but still slightly al dente, about 18-20 minutes in total.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the risotto to cool completely.
- Once the risotto has cooled, form it into balls about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow dish. Place the bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Roll each risotto ball first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the bread crumbs, ensuring each ball is well-coated at each stage. Set the coated balls aside.
- Heat enough oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to cover the risotto balls. Bring the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the risotto balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried risotto balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the mushroom risotto balls hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a delicious snack!
Mushroom risotto balls are a versatile and delectable dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoying them as a main course, these crispy, flavorful bites are sure to impress. With the right ingredients and techniques, making them at home is both fun and rewarding.
Mushroom risotto balls FAQ:
Fry the risotto balls for about 3-4 minutes per batch at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.
You can substitute chicken gravy with vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a vegetarian option. Just ensure it's warm when adding it to the rice.
Store leftover risotto balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.
Reheat fried risotto balls in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as they may become soggy.
Yes, you can prepare the risotto ahead of time and form the balls. Store them in the refrigerator and fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality chicken gravy for the best flavor.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic to ensure they cook evenly with the mushrooms.
- Allow the risotto mixture to cool completely before forming the balls; this will help them hold their shape better during frying.
- When coating the risotto balls, set up an assembly line with the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs to make the process smoother.
- Fry the balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy risotto balls.
- Place the fried risotto balls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil before serving.
Nutrition per serving
16 ServingsCalories 140kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 0.94g
Sugar 1.38g
Fat 5g
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