zucchini balls

Creating a flavorful and satisfying dish like Zucchini Balls with Rice and Garlic Sauce involves careful preparation and a blend of complementary flavors. This recipe combines the freshness of zucchini, the heartiness of rice, and the creamy richness of garlic sauce, making it a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Zucchini Balls with Rice and Garlic Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Zucchini Balls:

• 2 medium zucchini
• Salt, to taste
• 200g (about 1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 80g (about 1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
• Provence herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano), to taste
• 60g (about 1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg

For the Rice:

• 250g (about 1 cup) rice
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 carrot, diced
• 500ml (2 cups) water
• 1 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste
• Herbs and spices of your choice

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 50g (about 1/4 cup) sour cream
• 50g (about 1/4 cup) mustard sauce
• Garlic, finely chopped (to taste)
• Fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Preparing the Zucchini Balls:

1. Grate and Prepare Zucchini:
   • Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
   • After 10 minutes, squeeze out the excess water from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step ensures that the zucchini balls hold together well during cooking.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Provence herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together easily.
3. Forming the Balls:
   • Shape the zucchini mixture into small balls, about the size of golf balls. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Cooking the Zucchini Balls:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
   • Carefully place the zucchini balls in the pan, ensuring they have enough space between them to cook evenly.
   • Cook the balls for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently turn them to prevent breaking.
5. Removing and Draining:
   • Once cooked, remove the zucchini balls from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Set aside while preparing the rice and garlic sauce.

Preparing the Rice:

1. Sauteing the Vegetables:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and diced carrot, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
2. Adding Rice and Water:
   • Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the oil and vegetables. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
   • Pour in the water, add salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you prefer. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluffing the Rice:
   • Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the vegetables evenly.

Preparing the Garlic Sauce:

1. Mixing the Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mustard sauce, finely chopped garlic, and fresh chopped dill if using. Stir well to blend all ingredients together. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Plating the Zucchini Balls and Rice:
   • Arrange the cooked zucchini balls on a serving platter alongside a generous portion of the cooked rice. Arrange them attractively for presentation.
2. Serving with Garlic Sauce:
   • Drizzle the prepared garlic sauce over the zucchini balls and rice, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Zucchini Balls with Rice and Garlic Sauce recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. It combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, complemented by the hearty rice and zesty garlic sauce. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal for any occasion. Adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite in your household. Enjoy experimenting and creating this delightful dish in your own kitchen!