Famed Aussie chef Donna Hay created these bite-size risotto balls for The Oprah Show's Ultimate Viewers' welcome event at Sydney, Australia's Royal Botanic Garden. Get more recipes from this lavish garden party.
Servings: Makes 180 Balls
Ingredients
  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 brown onion , finely chopped
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup grated Mozzarella
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • Sea salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups peas , blanched and lightly crushed
  • 1 cup mint leaves , chopped
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup finely grated lemon rind
  • 4 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • 6 eggs , lightly beaten
  • Plain (all-purpose) flour , for dusting
  • Vegetable oil , for frying
  • Directions
    Place the stock in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the rice and wine and cook, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes or until the wine is absorbed. Gradually add the hot stock 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously for 25 to 30 minutes or until the stock is absorbed and the rice is tender. Spread onto a tray and allow to cool slightly. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt and pepper, peas, mint, lemon juice and lemon rind and mix to combine. Roll 1 teaspoon of risotto mixture into balls. Dip the risotto balls into the flour, egg and then into the breadcrumbs; toss until well coated. Repeat the process to double-coat. Heat the oil in a large deep saucepan over high heat until hot (350° or so). Deep-fry risotto balls in batches until crisp and golden. Drain on absorbent paper.

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