FRIED RICE BALLS

• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup parsley and scallion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Corn oil, for frying

Combine all the ingredients, except the baking powder, and season with salt. Let it rest in the fridge
for 30 minutes. Take it out and add the baking
powder. Heat the oil. Spoon the mixture into the
hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel and serve immediately.

IN DETAIL: Italians have “arancini”, best known among Brazilians as “bolinho de risoto”. Typical of Sicily, the recipe turns risotto leftovers into a delicious treat. Just like the Italian cousin, our fried rice ball is also an alternative to use up leftovers. It is worth saying that the technique of making fried snacks is also popular among Portuguese people – and other ingredients, such as greens and vegetables, can be used as “filling”. Two examples are spinach and scarlet eggplant.