Riceballs



INGREDIENTS:

2 c  Long grain rice

4 c  Water

1/2 lb Chopped meat

1/2 Medium onion; chopped

1 salt & pepper to taste

1 Garlic powder to taste

1/4 c  Peas

1/4 c  tomato sauce

1/4 lb Diced mozzarella

3 Eggs

1 tomato sauce for color

3 tb Grated cheese

1 Garlic powder to taste

1 Salt, pepper, parsley

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash and drain rice.  Boil water in saucepan over high
heat. Add the drained rice and bring to a boil.  Stir once,
reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is
absorbed and the rice is al dente and slightly sticky,
about 17 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room
temperature. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high
heat. Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped meat and seasoning and saute until the meat
just loses its raw color, about 5 minutes longer. Add the
tomato sauce and peas and cook until the liquid evaporates
and the peas are just tender, about 10 minutes longer for
fresh peas, or about 5 minutes for thawed. In a mixing bowl,
beat 2 of the eggs. Add the cooled rice and the grated cheese
and seasonings.  Scoop about 3 Tbl of the rice mixture into
the palm of one hand (wet hands first) and press it out to
form an even round.  Place about 1/2 Tbl of the meat mixture
and one small chunk mozzarella in the center of the patty,
then gently close your hand to encase the filling in the rice.
Use both hands to roll the stuffed rice into a ball. Continue
making balls until all ingredients are used. Beat the
remaining 1-2 eggs in a small bowl and pour the bread crumbs
into a small bowl. Roll each rice ball in the egg to coat
completely, then roll in the bread crumbs to cover well. Set
aside until all balls are coated. Pour oil in a deep fryer or
saucepan to a depth of 4 inches. Heat to 360F. Carefully drop
the rice balls, a few at a time, into oil and fry, turning
frequently, until golden brown all around, about 5 minutes.
With a slotted utensil, transfer to paper toweling to drain.
If desired, place in a low oven to keep warm until all are
cooked. Serve warm.



Riceballs