Tag: Cheese Balls

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How to turn Leftover Rice into Gourmet Arancini Balls

Arancini balls are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. These are gooey, cheesy rice balls with crispy golden crust. Need I say more! The Italians are a genius! Arancini balls are a Sicilian street food made of risotto and are absolutely delicious. It’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. But they do take some effort to prepare. First you have to make risotto and allow it to cool. Then you have to make the balls and fry them. This sounds like quite a lengthy process. If you have the time, they are definitely worth the effort.

But if you don’t want to go that extra mile and still want to make delicious Arancini Balls, we have your back. I’ll show you how you can transform your leftover rice to these delightful little balls of pleasure that are truly pleasurable to nibble. They are perfect without any filling and are also a good way to use up other leftovers. These were gobbled in no time at my house. It took me just 10 minutes to prepare it and even less time for us to finish it. Even my 10 year old loves them. Italian herbs and cheeses make them taste like a cheesy pizza. Even if you don’t like fried food, I insist you give this one a try. Alternatively, you can bake these in the oven or can air fry them.

Recipe: Makes approx 12-14 balls

Ingredients 

  1. Leftover Rice or Pulao: 2 cups; cold is better
  2. Egg: 1 large; lightly beaten
  3. Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup
  4. Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
  5. Minced Garlic: 1 tsp
  6. Minced Ginger: 1 tsp
  7. Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: 1/2 tsp
  8. Chilli Flakes: 1/2 tsp or as required 
  9. Salt and Pepper to taste
  10. Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup
  11. Oil for frying

Instructions 

  • In a bowl or a plate mash leftover rice or pulao. I have used leftover vegetable pulao here. Add basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, ginger-garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, salt, pepper and egg. Mix them all until well combined.
  • Form 12-14 balls equal sized balls and roll them in bread crumbs. 
  • Add frying pan to a wok or to a deep pan. Preheat the oil to medium high heat. 
  • Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
  • Serve hot with ketchup or marinara sauce

Variations: Any type of cheese can be used like cheddar, parmesan, and you can alternate the spices as well. Chopped veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, carrots or bell peppers can also be added.

Notes: 

  1. Always use cooked rice
  2. Use rice that is cold
  3. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture is runny, it should be the consistency of a meatball mixture.

Do give this recipe a shot. It’s a perfect and a delicious way to upscale your leftovers. If you try this recipe, do give us a shout out. Just click a picture and tag us on @masala.monk or use the hashtag #MasalaMonkRecipe and share on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to hear from you. 🙂

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Cheese Balls: 5 Irresistible Indian-Inspired Variations

photo of sliced cheese on spatula

Greetings, Cheese Lovers! 👋

Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with everyone’s favorite cheesy delight? Today, we’re diving into the world of cheese balls and infusing them with the vibrant and aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. Get ready to experience a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more! 🌍🧀

Cheese Ball: A Brief Introduction 🧀🌶️

Cheese balls are a beloved appetizer enjoyed by cheese enthusiasts around the world. These bite-sized orbs of cheesy goodness offer a delightful combination of creamy textures and bold flavors. But today, we’re taking the classic cheese ball to new heights by infusing them with the rich and aromatic spices of India. Get ready for a cheese ball extravaganza that will transport your taste buds to a whole new dimension of flavor! 🇮🇳🌶️

So, let’s explore five Indian-inspired variations of the classic cheese ball:

1. Spicy Masala Cheese Balls 🌶️

Let’s kickstart our cheese ball fiesta with a fiery twist. Begin by combining cream cheese with a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. The combination of spices will infuse the cheese balls with a bold and aromatic flavor profile. To take it a step further, add finely chopped onions, garlic, and green chilies for an extra kick. Form the mixture into bite-sized balls and roll them in a coating of crushed papad (crispy Indian flatbread) for an added crunch. These spicy masala cheese balls will bring the vibrant flavors of Indian street food to your appetizer spread, leaving your guests craving for more!

2. Paneer and Herb Cheese Balls 🧀🌿

Indulge in the creamy goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with these delectable cheese balls. Begin by blending crumbled paneer with a medley of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and green chilies. The aromatic herbs will add a burst of freshness to the cheese balls. To enhance the flavors further, incorporate spices like roasted cumin powder and chaat masala. Form the mixture into balls and coat them with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior. These paneer and herb cheese balls are bursting with flavors and are perfect for those who enjoy a mild and refreshing taste.

3. Tandoori Cheese Balls 🍗🌶️

Infuse your cheese balls with the bold flavors of tandoori masala for a truly unique experience. Begin by combining cream cheese with tandoori spice mix, minced garlic, a hint of lemon juice, and a pinch of red chili powder. This combination of spices will create a tangy and smoky flavor profile. For an additional layer of texture and flavor, roll the cheese balls in a coating of crushed roasted papad or crushed roasted cashews. The crunchy coating will complement the creamy and tangy interior, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These tandoori cheese balls will transport you straight to the streets of India with their smoky and tangy profile.

4. Veggie Masala Cheese Balls 🥕🧀

Introduce a medley of vegetables to your cheese balls for a burst of color and freshness. Begin by grating carrots, bell peppers, and onions, and sautéing them until tender. Mix the sautéed vegetables with cream cheese and a sprinkle of Indian spices like chaat masala and roasted cumin powder. The combination of the creamy cheese and crunchy vegetables will create a delightful texture. Form the mixture into balls and roll them in a coating of crushed cornflakes for an irresistible crunch. These veggie masala cheese balls are a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into your appetizer spread, adding a healthy and flavorful twist.

5. Coconut Curry Cheese Balls 🌴🍛

Embrace the exotic flavors of coconut and curry with these cheese balls. Begin by blending cream cheese with grated coconut, curry powder, a dash of turmeric, and a pinch of roasted cumin powder. The creamy cheese combined with the aromatic spices will create a vibrant flavor profile reminiscent of Indian curry dishes. Form the mixture into balls and roll them in a coating of crushed roasted peanuts or coconut flakes for a tropical touch. These coconut curry cheese balls are a delightful fusion of creamy cheese, aromatic spices, and the lusciousness of coconut. They are perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness and a burst of exotic flavors.

As you embark on your cheese ball adventure, don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us and our community of food lovers at EatLo. Let’s celebrate the joy of fusion cooking and inspire each other with our cheesy experiments!

Indulge in the fusion of flavors with each delectable bite of these Indian-inspired cheese balls. It’s a flavor-packed journey that celebrates the versatility of cheese and the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these cheesy delights! 😜👊