For filling in the Risotto Rice balls-Mozzarellacut into 1/2 cubes-12 nos.
For Breading: Crackerscrumbled /bread crumbs-1/2 cup (preferably crackers to make the Risotto bites crispier).
Garlic powder-1/4 tsp
Parsley-1 tsp
Oregano-1/2 tsp
Dash of salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for frying – 500 ml. /as required
For the Marinara Sauce: Extra Virgin Olive Oil- ½ cup
Onion Very finely chopped- 01 no small
Garlicfinely chopped- 02 cloves
Celery stalkfinely chopped- 01 no.
Carrotsfinely chopped-01 medium sized.
Good red winesuch as Chianti-1/2 cup
Tomatoescrushed- 01 can
Bay leaves- 02 nos.
Sea salt- ½ tsp.
Freshly ground pepper- ½ tsp.
Instructions
For the Crispy Risotto Bites :
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 12 Crispy Risotto bites.
In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable stock over medium flame (do not bring it to a boil). Keep it on the heat while you make the risotto in a separate pan.
Heat the oil in a medium sauce pan over low-medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic, cook for about 3 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
Add the rice, cook about a minute, stirring.
Add ½ cup of the dry white wine into the rice. Cook, stirring, until nearly all of it is absorbed.
Add another 1 ½ cup of vegetable stock, and keep stirring until that liquid is completely absorbed.
Add the final cup of vegetable stock, and stir until all the liquid is absorbed.
Add the parsley, salt, and pepper and stir.
Put the risotto aside for about 30 minutes until it is cool enough to handle.
Mix your breading ingredients in a shallow bowl. Prepare another shallow bowl with some water.
Add the vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat over medium (make sure the oil is definitely hot before you begin).
Dip fingers in water and shape risotto into a (1 1/2-inch) ball around a cube of mozzarella. Roll in palm of hands to make a smooth ball.
Ball up about 1/4 cup of the risotto and coat with the breading.
Fry in the oil, turning every so often so that each side becomes golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes.
When theyââ¬â¢re done, lay the bites on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Repeat the procedure, until all the risotto is used.
Serve hot with marinara sauce.
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste, if required.
Notes
For the Crispy Risotto Bites:Chef Tips:
After rolling the Risotto balls, you may chill in the refrigerator as it gives them a firmer texture, and then fry them.
Time saving tip: Make the risotto a day ahead of time and keep it the fridge until ready to use and all you’ll need to do the day of is to fry them when required.
For the Marinara SauceChef Tips: 1. Time saving tip: You may make the sauce one day in advance, and rewarm on a slow heat and use as required.