887- Baked Rice Croquette / كروكيت الأرز في الفرن

Ingredients :

For the rice croquettes:
100 grams (1/2 cup) white rice
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
80 grams (2.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

For the breadcrumb coating:
150 grams (1 cup) breadcrumbs
100 grams (3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
2 eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste

For decoration:
Lemon zest

Directions :

1- In a saucepan over medium heat, boil some water with a pinch of salt. Add the rice and cook for 20 minutes until tender.
3- Drain the rice and set it aside to cool.
4- Add the mustard, ketchup, dried chives, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, pepper, and mix together with a spoon until the mixture is well combined.
5- Slightly spread a portion of the rice mixture into your hand, place 1 mozzarella cube in the center, then form medium sized balls. Repeat the same process with the remaining rice mixture.
6- Place the flour, the whisked eggs and breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls.
7- Roll each rice ball in flour, then dip them in eggs and finally roll them in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.
8- Place the rice balls on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 356°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
9- Decorate the rice croquettes with lemon zest and serve them warm, with tomato sauce and a fresh salad.