This tasty meal includes crunchy zucchini balls, light rice, and a creamy garlic sauce. It is a simple dish to prepare that has different textures and flavors, making it a good option for any event. If you are preparing a meal for your family or having a party, this dish will definitely make everyone happy.
Time to prepare:
Time needed to prepare: 20 minutes
Time to cook: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of portions: 4 portions
List of items needed:
For the Zucchini Balls:
2 courgettes
Sal.
200 grams, which is equivalent to 1 cup, of ricotta cheese.
80 grams of breadcrumbs, which is equal to half a cup.
Herbs from the Provence region.
60 grams, which is equivalent to 1/4 cup, of Parmesan cheese.
1 egg
Regarding the rice:
250 grams of rice, which is equivalent to 1 cup.
1 onion, cut into small pieces.
4 tablespoons of olive oil
1 carrot, shredded
500 milliliters of water, which is equivalent to 2 cups.
1 small spoon of salt
Pepper
Spices you like (if you want)
To make the garlic sauce:
50 grams, which is equivalent to 1/4 cup, of Greek yogurt.
50 grams, which is equivalent to 1/4 cup, of mayonnaise.
Minced garlic (as much as you like)
Chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
Get the zucchini ready.
Shred the zucchini and add some salt on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove extra liquid.
After 10 minutes, press out the extra water from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Prepare the Zucchini Balls:
In a big bowl, mix together the shredded zucchini, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Herbs of Provence, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir thoroughly until everything is mixed together.
Form the mixture into little balls.
Make the Zucchini Balls:
Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F) before using.
Put the zucchini balls on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Cook in the oven for 30 minutes, or until it is a golden brown color and feels firm to the touch.
Cook the rice.
Wash the rice thoroughly with cold water until the water is clear.
In a big pot, warm up olive oil on medium heat.
Put the diced onion in the pan and cook until it becomes clear.
Put the shredded carrot in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Put the washed rice in the pot with the vegetables.
Add the water, salt, black pepper, and any other spices you like.
Put the lid on the pot and cook on low heat for 25 minutes without lifting the lid.
Prepare the sauce with garlic.
Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly.
Wait on people at a restaurant or in a similar setting.
After the rice is done, use a fork to separate the grains.
Put the zucchini balls on top of the rice and pour the garlic sauce over them.
Add more fresh dill on top if you like.
Ideas for how to serve.
Serve with a side of green salad to make a full meal.
Include a serving of cooked vegetables for added health benefits.
Tips for Cooking:
Be sure to remove as much water as you can from the grated zucchini to help the balls keep their form.
You can add more spices or herbs to the rice and zucchini mix according to your preference.
Benefits for your health:
Zucchini is a vegetable that is low in calories and has lots of vitamins A and C.
Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber.
Greek yogurt is a healthy choice because it has protein and probiotics.
Information about what you eat:
I am a vegetarian.
Does not contain gluten. If necessary, use breadcrumbs without gluten.
No dairy included. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives if necessary.
Storage: Keeping things in a safe place.
Refrigeration tip: Keep leftover food in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days.
Warm up the food in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reasons to enjoy this recipe:
It is a simple and tasty dish that mixes different textures and flavors.
Great for a nutritious and fulfilling evening meal.
The garlic sauce gives a smooth and tangy taste that goes well with the zucchini balls.
In conclusion, this recipe for zucchini balls with rice and garlic sauce is a delicious and simple dinner choice. The mix of flavors and textures creates a delicious meal that your loved ones will enjoy. Savor the tasty and easy-to-make meal!
Questions that are often asked:
Can I use a different type of cheese in the zucchini balls?
Yes, you can use different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese instead.
How can I add more spice to the garlic sauce?
Put more chopped garlic or a bit of crushed red pepper.
Can I put the zucchini balls in the freezer?
Yes, put them in a sealed container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Warm up in the oven.
What other cheese can I use in place of ricotta?
You can use cottage cheese or a non-dairy cheese alternative.
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
Yes, but you might have to change how long you cook it and the amount of liquid.
How can I add more taste to the rice?
Sprinkle turmeric, cumin, or paprika on the rice.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Yes, using fresh dill gives a more vibrant taste.
What is the best way to warm up leftover food?
Warm up in the oven or microwave until heated.
How can I prepare this meal without using any animal products?
Use plant-based cheese alternatives and substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
Can I include more types of vegetables in the rice?
Sure, you can include vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for more nutrients.