Suppli

Supplì is an Italian snack (originated from Rome) kind of croquette, consisting of a ball of rice (generally in the form of risotto, which is a traditional Italian rice dish, pepared with tomato sauce) bound together by eggs around a piece of mozzarella; the prepared ball is surrounded by breadcrumbs and then fried.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long grained rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp powdered saffron
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley / coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp grated cheese (parmesan / mozzarella)
• 2 eggs, for rice
• 2 eggs, for coating
• 75 gms (10-12 cubes) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 60 gms flour
• olive oil / white oil, frying oil
• 200 gms bread crumbs, to coat

Procedure:

1. Beat 2 eggs with a little salt. Keep aside.
2. Wash rice. Heat 2 tbsp butter, add the chopped onion. Saute for 1-2 mins. Add the washed rice and stir fry for 2 mins. Add saffron, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
3. Add the chicken broth (you can use water instead), bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low heat till all the water is absorbed (about 10-15 mins) and rice is cooked. Cook for 2 more mins, ensure that the rice is absolutely dry and remove from fire.
4. Add the chopped coriander leaves, 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp grated cheese. Mix well, lay the rice out on a board to cool.
5. Beat 2 eggs and mix carefuly with the rice. Divide the rice mixture into 10-12 equal portions.
6. Make a ball with a portion of rice mixture. Flatten it. Place a mozzarella cheese cube inside and completely cover with the rice mixture. Flour the croquettes and repeat with all the rice mixture.
7. Dip the prepared croquettes in the beaten eggs, roll over bread crumbs and press firmy. Keep in the refrigerator for 2 hours (this will set the bread crumbs).
8. Heat oil and fry the suppli till golden brown (turn constantly to ensure even colouring on all sides). Serve hot with tomato salsa / ketchup.