Description
Delight in these rustic Nettle & Wild Onion Rice Balls, a deliciously crispy appetizer combining nutritious nettles and wild onions with creamy Parmesan and perfectly cooked rice. These golden-brown bites are sautéed to perfection, offering a unique earthy flavor ideal as a snack, side dish, or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
Instructions
- Sauté Nettles and Wild Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped nettles and wild onions, sautéing until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to prevent scrambling the egg later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed nettles and wild onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Shape Rice Balls: Form the mixture into small, golf-ball-sized balls. For an added crispy texture, roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly, though this step is optional.
- Cook Rice Balls: Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place the rice balls in the pan in batches, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes while turning occasionally to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these rice balls hot as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Enjoy the flavorful, earthy taste of wild-foraged nettles and onions wrapped in a crunchy, cheesy exterior.
Notes
- Use gloves when handling nettles to avoid skin irritation.
- Short-grain or sushi rice works best due to its sticky texture, which helps bind the rice balls.
- Breadcrumb coating is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- Can be served with a dipping sauce like marinara or a garlic aioli for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
