Minced Chicken and Lemon Risotto Balls
A modern twist on a classic Italian appetizer, these Minced Chicken and Lemon Risotto Balls combine the luscious creaminess of traditional risotto with zesty lemon and rich minced chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice - For that creamy texture
2 tablespoons olive oil - Extra virgin, for flavor
1 small onion - Finely diced
1 pound ground chicken (minced chicken) - Preferably free-range
4 cups chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon) - Kept warm
1 small lemon - Juice and zest
½ cup Parmesan cheese - Finely grated
2 tablespoons butter - Unsalted
1 cup breadcrumbs - For coating
2 medium eggs - Beaten
1 pinch salt - To taste
1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced chicken to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Begin adding the warm chicken stock one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each ladle to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- Once the risotto is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then form into golf ball-sized balls.
- Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 175°C (347°F). Fry the risotto balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a crispier coating, use panko breadcrumbs. This recipe can be adapted with different herbs like parsley or thyme for added aroma.
Nutrition
Calories: 667kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 1444mgPotassium: 814mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 196mgIron: 5mg
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