Ingredients

• 200g cooked rice (preferably leftover)
• 1 egg
• Olive oil (for frying)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
• Bread crumbs (for coating)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a small frying pan, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, egg, parmesan cheese, and all-purpose flour. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if you’re using it for a bit of spice.
3. Shape the Patties: Mix everything together until well-combined. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, round patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more flour or some bread crumbs to help bind it together.
4. Coat with Bread Crumbs: Pour the bread crumbs onto a shallow plate. Gently press each patty into the bread crumbs, coating both sides evenly.

Step 2: Frying the Patties

1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
2. Fry the Patties: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the patties from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Serving

• Serve the rice patties hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese or a few leaves of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like marinara or sour cream.

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Cooking Tips

• Leftover Rice: This recipe works best with leftover rice, as the rice is a bit drier and easier to shape into patties. Freshly cooked rice may be too moist, so if you’re using fresh rice, let it cool completely before using.
• Extra Flavor: For additional flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the mixture. You can also mix in other types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a gooey interior.
• Binding: If your mixture seems too loose to hold together, you can add a little more flour or some additional bread crumbs. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk or a bit more egg.
• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and crispy.

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Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover rice patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or oven to regain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: These rice patties freeze well. Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from frozen.

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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg

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FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Brown rice will add a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more texture to the patties.

2. Can I make these patties vegan?

Yes, to make the patties vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan cheese substitute. You can also fry them in a neutral oil instead of butter.

3. What sauce goes well with these rice patties?

These patties pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with marinara sauce, sour cream, or even a spicy mayonnaise for a delicious kick.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?

Absolutely! You can customize these rice patties by adding finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them beforehand to soften them.

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Conclusion

These Rice Patties with Parmesan are not only a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, but they also make for a quick and satisfying snack or meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties are versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them with a dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, with easy storage options, you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!