SUN-DRIED TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND BASIL RICE BALLS

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Sun-Dried Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Rice Balls image

This is a flavourful alternative to plain rice and makes a meal much more interesting. Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side dish.

Provided by Shuzbud

Categories     Rice

Time 55m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups hot vegetable stock
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon plain flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
10 large basil leaves
1/3 cup rehydrated sun-dried tomato, finely diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 yellow pepper
2 cups passata (tomato puree)
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Pour the stock into a large saucepan. Bring to the boil. Add the rice, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Meanwhile, finely chop the basil leaves. Finely dice the yellow pepper. Peel and finely dice the onion. Set aside, keeping the basil separate from the onion and pepper.
  • When the rice is done, uncover it and put the whole pan in a sink of cold water to cool the rice.
  • While the rice cools, put the olive oil and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the yellow pepper and garlic. Cook around 5 minutes, until soft.
  • Add the passata to the skillet with the onion and pepper. Turn the heat to low. Give the passata mixture a chance to simmer and thicken slightly.
  • While it simmers, make the rice balls- add the cheese, egg yolk, flour, tomato paste, basil leaves and sundried tomatoes to the cooled rice. Stir it together well.
  • Shape the rice mixture into about 16 balls and place them on top of the sauce. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, until the rice balls are cooked through.
  • Serve hot, sprinkled with parmesan cheese if desired.

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