Crispy Rice and Vegetable Empanadas

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.