Mushroom Risotto Balls

Mushroom Risotto Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining creamy risotto with earthy mushrooms, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown exterior. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for sharing and are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• Arborio rice - 1/2 cup
• Chicken broth - 2 cups
• White mushrooms, finely chopped - 1 cup
• Onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 1/4 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
• All-purpose flour - 1/4 cup
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil (for frying) - 2 cups

Steps

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over low heat and keep it warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are soft and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
5. Begin adding the warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the risotto cool for about 10-15 minutes.
7. Once cooled, mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
8. Form the risotto mixture into small balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
9. In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the risotto balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Remove the fried balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Arborio rice provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy, making these risotto balls a satisfying snack.

Tags