Play Ball Rice Bites
CATEGORIES
INGREDIENTS
  • Ingredients:
  • For the dip:
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) mixed fruit in juice, half drained
  • 1/4 cup canned tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • For the rice balls:
  • 1 can (8.25 ounces) mixed vegetables, no-salt added, drained
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown), warm
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup finely crushed crisp rice cereal
  • Spray oil for baking or oil for frying
DIRECTIONS
  1. Prepare these cheesy-crispy-crunchy rice balls packed with nutrient-rich canned vegetables and dipped in a fruit sauce with a savory kick. The bites can be conveniently made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature for the perfect snack or family treat.
  2. Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
  3. Cook Time: Approximately 10 minutes
  4. Preparation:
  5. To make the dip: Purée the mixed fruit, tomato paste and vinegar in a blender or food processor; set aside.
  6. To make the rice balls: Purée the mixed vegetables, egg, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a blender or food processor. Mix with rice, cheese, salt and pepper until completely combined.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F, or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.
  8. Scoop tablespoon-size balls of the rice mixture and gently form into balls, rolling them in the crushed rice cereal to coat.
  9. If baking: line a rimmed cookie sheet with foil and spray with oil. Place balls on the sheet and spray with more oil. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool for 3 minutes.
  10. If frying: fry in the deep fryer in small batches until crisp and brown, about 1 minute per batch. Drain on paper towels.
  11. Servings: 6
  12. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 170; Total fat 4.5g; Saturated fat 2.5g; Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 230mg; Carbohydrate 27g; Fiber 2g; Protein 6g; Vitamin A 100%DV*; Vitamin C 20%DV; Calcium 10%DV; Iron 20%DV