RICE AND RISOTTOS

Rice croquettes with a mozzarella filling: an easy, gooey recipe

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Crocchette di riso con cuore di mozzarella ricetta

Melting croquettes: the pleasure that brings the table together

There are dishes capable of turning an ordinary meal into a moment of pure joy, and rice croquettes are undoubtedly among them. Nothing is more inviting than the contrast between the golden, crispy outer coating and the soft, creamy rice inside, which carefully holds a stretchy mozzarella heart.

These little delights win everyone over, both adults and children alike: they are the ultimate comfort food, able to bring a smile from the very first bite. Whether served as a tasty starter, as the star of an aperitif with friends, or as a delicious surprise for a family dinner, these croquettes bring to the table the simplicity of genuine ingredients transformed into something special. Preparing them is a ritual that feels like home, and watching them turn golden in the pan is just the beginning of what awaits at the first bite: an explosion of flavor that wins anyone over at the very first try.

ingredients

doses for
4 people

Adjust the servings: the quantities are updated automatically.

Mozzarella
75 grams
Details

Mozzarella is one of the most recognizable symbols of Italian dairy tradition: simple in appearance, yet deeply dependent on the quality of its raw ingredients and freshness. It is a stretched-curd cheese that relies on balance, and for this reason…

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Rice
150 grams
Details

Rice is one of the staple foods in global cuisine, but in Italy it becomes something much more precise: a raw ingredient that completely changes its character depending on the variety and the cooking technique. It is a versatile grain,…

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Onion
1 little onions
Details

The onion is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, prized not only for its flavor but also for its nutritional properties. There are various varieties, from the classic white with its pungent taste, to yellow which is more balanced, to red…

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Details

Beef broth is a flavorful liquid made by simmering beef bones, meat, vegetables, and herbs. In cooking, it is used as a base for soups, sauces, and risottos, adding depth, richness, and umami. A good broth enhances dishes without overpowering…

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Grana Padano
25 grams of grated cheese
Details

Discover the rich flavor of Grana Padano Riserva GranTerre, aged over 20 months. Naturally lactose-free, this DOP cheese offers an intense and refined aroma, with notes of butter, hay, and nuts, enhanced by its pleasant granular texture and calcium lactate…

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Bread
60 grams of breadcrumbs
Butter
30 g
Details

Butter: cooking use, selection and techniques Butter is one of the most important fats in traditional and modern cuisine. It is a fundamental ingredient for adding creaminess, roundness, and flavor to dishes. It is made by churning cream from milk…

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Parsley
To Taste
Details

Parsley is a fresh, aromatic herb widely used in cooking to add brightness and balance to dishes. It has a clean, slightly peppery flavor that enhances sauces, meats, fish, vegetables, and soups without overpowering them. Often used as a finishing…

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preparation

  1. 1

    Cooking:

    Sautéing the onion and rice in butter, adding the broth, and cooking covered until fully absorbed.

  2. 2

    Preparation

    Mantecatura (Creaming): Once the rice is cooked and dry, remove the pan from the heat. Add the grated Grana Padano and stir well to combine everything.

    Cooling: This is the critical step: spread the rice out on a plate or a baking sheet to let it cool completely. It must become cold and manageable so that it doesn't break apart during cooking.

    Cutting: While the rice is cooling, cut the mozzarella into 20 small, uniform cubes (dadini), trying not to leave them too moist (if necessary, pat them dry with paper towels).

  3. 3

    Shaping

    Shaping: With slightly damp or floured hands, take a handful of cold rice and press it in your palm to form a ball.

    Filling: Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of the ball. Insert a cube of mozzarella.

    Sealing: Carefully close the rice over the mozzarella, making sure there are no openings or cracks. The ball must be well sealed so that the cheese does not leak out during frying.

  4. 4

    Breading:

    Breading: In a deep plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the chopped parsley. Roll each rice ball in the mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well to the entire surface.

    Frying: Heat plenty of soybean oil in a deep pan. Submerge 2-3 croquettes at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature consistent.

    Browning: Fry until the croquettes are evenly golden brown on all sides.

  5. 5

    Chef’s tip:

    The secret to success: remember that all the filling ingredients (rice and cheese) are already “ready” (the rice is cooked, and the mozzarella only needs to melt). Frying is used exclusively to create the crispy outer crust. Once cooked, place the croquettes on kitchen paper towels: this step is essential to remove excess oil and keep the rice shell light and pleasantly crispy when bitten into.

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