Baked Italian Rice Balls [Bulkbites.com]

• Servings: 2
• Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is just as crispy and delicious as deep fried rice balls, but much healthier instead. I add other healthy ingredients to the rice mixture like spinach, cheese and herbs to incorporate more nutrients. These crispy balls are full of complex carbohydrates, iron, calcium and fiber. Herbs supply a good amount of antioxidants to the rice balls. Try this healthy finger food which can be served as an appetizer or snack. They are also a good accompaniment for soup and salad recipes.

Nutrition

• calories: 342
• protein: 15
• carbs: 42
• fat: 13
• saturated fat: 2.62
• polyunsaturated fat: 1.98
• monounsaturated fat: 6.76
• cholesterol: 167
• sodium: 1487
• potassium: 188
• dietary fiber: 1.95
• sugars: 1.71
• vitamin a: 117
• vitamin c: 9
• calcium: 223
• iron: 2
• magnesium: 0
• complex carbs: 38.34
• other fats: 1.64

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 ounce Cheese, mozzarella, nonfat
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese topping, fat free
• 2 medium Egg, whole, raw, fresh
• 1 pepper Peppers, jalapeno, raw
• 1 tbsp chopped Garlic
• 1 tsp Spices, chili powder
• 1 oz Bread crumbs, dry, grated, plain
• 1 tsp Salt, table
• 1 tsp, ground Spices, pepper, black
• 1 tablespoon Oil, olive, salad or cooking
• 1 leaves Basil, fresh
• 1 tsp Spices, parsley, dried

Instructions

• Use cooked brown rice for the recipe or cook the brown rice according to the package instruction, drain and set aside to cool.
• Combine one egg, basil leaves, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, chili powder, and cheese in a large bowl. Add cooked rice and mix well.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degree F (200 degree C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
• For the coating, whisk 1 egg and 1 teaspoon olive oil together in a bowl.
• Mix salt and black pepper with bread crumbs and spread on a plate.
• Prepare the small balls (2 inch diameter) with rice mixture. Dip into the egg mixture, and then roll in the bread crumbs to coat.
• Place the prepared rice balls in the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove the baking dish and turn over the rice balls, bake again on the other side for 15 minutes.
• Serve hot.