11.08.2024

Crispy Rice and Vegetable Empanadas

By Lilias

These Crispy Rice and Vegetable Empanadas are a delicious and easy to prepare snack or appetizer. Combining cooked rice with vegetables, cheese and a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs, they are perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

Preparation time

  • Preparation:  15 minutes
  • Cooking:  10 minutes
  • Total:  25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 200 g cooked rice
  • 1 egg
  • Olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper
  • Breadcrumbs (to cover)

Directions

  1. Prepare the rice mixture:
    • Add 200 g of cooked rice to a bowl.
    • Crack 1 egg into the rice and mix well.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
    • Add the chopped carrot and sauté for 3-5 more minutes.
    • Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the rice.
  3. Combine ingredients:
    • Add 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
    • Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper.
    • Mix everything well until well combined.
  4. Form and cover the burgers:
    • Place the breadcrumbs on a plate.
    • Shape the rice mixture into balls with a spoon or your hands, then flatten each ball to form a patty.
    • Roll each burger in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  5. Fry the burgers:
    • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Place the breaded burgers in the pan and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Attend:
    • Once fried, remove the burgers from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Serve these crispy rice and veggie burgers with your favorite sauce, like marinara, ranch, or aioli. They also go well with a fresh salad or as a garnish for a main meal.

Cooking tips

  • Make sure the rice mixture is well combined to help the burgers hold together during frying.
  • You can add other vegetables or herbs to the mix for more flavor and nutrition.

Nutritional benefits

These burgers are a great way to use up leftover rice and incorporate veggies into a tasty snack. They provide a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.