Description
Delight in these savory Nettle & Wild Onion Rice Balls, a unique appetizer featuring tender sautéed nettles and wild onions combined with creamy Parmesan and perfectly cooked rice. Crispy golden on the outside and soft inside, these flavorful bites are easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and make a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Ball Mixture
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably short-grain or sushi rice)
- 1/2 cup fresh nettles, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup wild onions or green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Coating
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
Instructions
- Sauté Nettles and Wild Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped nettles and wild onions, cooking until tender and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed nettles and wild onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Add the beaten egg, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Form Rice Balls: Shape the mixture into small golf ball-sized balls. For an optional crispy outer layer, roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Cook Rice Balls: Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches, turning occasionally to ensure they become golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
- Serve: Serve the rice balls hot as a delightful appetizer, snack, or side dish that highlights the earthy, wild flavors of nettles and onions.
Notes
- Handle fresh nettles carefully and consider wearing gloves when washing and chopping the leaves to avoid irritation.
- Breadcrumb coating is optional but adds a pleasant crunch to the rice balls.
- Use short-grain or sushi rice for best texture – it’s sticky enough to hold the balls together.
- These rice balls can be kept warm in a low oven if preparing in batches.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.
