Italian Rice Croquettes

4 cups cooked Arborio rice

2 Tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

5 large eggs

1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmigiano cheese

½ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Salt and pepper

1 ½ cup breadcrumbs

1 lb Mozzarella cheese, cubed

1.      Cook rice with enough water to cover and rises about 1 inch above rice level.  Add salt to water, allow to boil, then lower heat to simmer until rice is tender.  This is a short grain rice and will need more cooking time.  You can use other short grain rice (such as Egyptian rice, when you do not have Italian rice on hand.  Set aside to cool.

2.      Meanwhile, as rice is cooking, mince garlic, chop parsley, grate Parmigiano, and cub mozzarella.  In 1 tsp of olive oil sauté garlic until softened.  Remove garlic from oil and allow to cool.

3.      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together three eggs.  Add the rice gradually to the eggs and combine well. 

4.      Add Parmigiano, parsley, cooked garlic, salt pepper, red pepper and nutmeg to the rice mixture and stir together to combine all ingredients.  Fill a small bowl with water.  Dip hands into water and then pick up rice mixture form into a small ball (slightly larger than a meatball).  Indent the center and add one small cube of Mozzarella.   Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.   Repeat until rice mixture is all used. 

5.      In a small bowl beat together the remaining two eggs.  In a separate bowl pour the breadcrumbs.  Dip one rice ball into egg first, then into the breadcrumbs and place on wax paper.  Repeat until all are coated with egg and breadcrumbs.

6.      Heat both tablespoons of olive oil on medium high heat.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place on center rack in the heated oven.  Fry each rice croquette about 4 or 5 at a time, for 2 to 3 minutes.  Place on parchment lined baking sheet in the oven to drain.  Repeat for all.  Serve hot with Marinara sauce on the side.  This makes a marvelous appetizer or side to any meal.  The surprise melted cheese center is delicious!  Enjoy!