Ham and Cheese Arancini (Italian Fried Rice Balls)

Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins

Serves: 4 - 6

Deep-fried rice balls willed with ham, onion, and melted gooey cheese. They can be filled with really anything, but this combination is especially tasty. Make sure to use sticky rice (sushi rice works well).

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups cooked sticky rice

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup ham, finely diced

• 1/3 cup butter, melted, plus 1 Tbsp (for sautéing onions)

• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup onion, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (1 - 2 tsp dried parsley)

• 1 tsp seasoned salt

• 1/2 - 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

• 3 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes (you may substitute Havarti or Swiss instead)

• Vegetable oil for deep-frying breadcrumb coated rice balls

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup flour (for coating)

• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Sauté diced o onion in 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

2. In a bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs. Stir in cooked rice, ham, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, sautéed onion, seasoned salt, garlic salt, parsley and pepper.

3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 mins

4. Roll into 1-1/2 inch balls, and press a cheese cube into each ball, reshaping around the cheese.

5. Place the flour into a small bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a second small bowl. Place the dry breadcrumbs in a third small bowl.

6. Dip each ball into flour, then into the egg, and then into the breadcrumbs.

7. Heat vegetable oil to 375° F, then fry rice balls until golden brown (about 4 mins). You can also shallow fry them in oil, but remember to continue turning them to brown on all sides.

8. Drain on paper towels.

9. Serve with some French onion dip, Ranch dip, or eat them alone.

Things you'll need for this recipe: