Cheesy Rice Fritters Over Wilted Spinach

I had been dying to try a recipe that Cara over at the Picky Apple posted, called Cheesy Rice Fritters. I kept putting them on my menu plan but didnt ever actually make the recipe. I finally made them one night and was glad I did.  I omitted the bacon and cut down a bit on the cheese but it turned out great and I will make them again! The wilted spinach went great with the dish and the rice was very filling! The prep wasnt very hard and were easy to make with Avery wanting to watch and "help"!

Cheesy Rice Fritters Over Wilted Spinach (recipe from Rachel Ray, Every

ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 slices bacon, chopped (omitted)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten ( i used just the white)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs ( i seasoned mine with pepper and paprika)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• One 10 ounce bag spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper

directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a medium saucepan, bring the rice and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer until the rice is still firm but cooked through and the water has evaporated, about 20 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp.  Using a slotted spoon, add the bacon to the rice, reserving the skillet with the bacon fat.  Stir the mozzarella, parmesan and egg into the rice mixture; season with salt and pepper.

Divide the rice mixture into 12 mounds on the prepared baking sheet.  Flatten into 3-inch patties.  Sprinkle on both sides with the breadcrumbs.

Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat.  Working in batches, add the patties and cook, turning once, until crisp, about 5 minutes.  Drain on paper towels.  Add the spinach to the skillet and cook over high heat, turning until wilted, about 2 minutes; season with the crushed red pepper.  Top with the fritters.

Freezer Tip: If you are not going to eat the fritters immediately, place the cooked fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap in plastic wrap.  Bake the frozen fritters in a 375 degree F oven for 10 minutes.

Comments

[Cassie]

How did I miss this on Cara's site?! I'm definitely going to try these!

[Destri]

That sounds so good right now.....so good....

[Christopher Thomas Beggs]

that looks delicious

[Cara]

Thanks so much for the shout-out! :) I'm so glad that you liked the cheesy rice fritters. Truth be told, I was a little worried that they would be too bland without the bacon, but I'm glad it worked for you!