Ingredients
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1/2 lb ground beef (or use spicy or mild Italian sausages with casings removed)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (garlic-lovers use more)
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3 cups cooked rice, firmly packed when measuring
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/3 cup melted butter
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2/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
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2 tablespoons dried parsley (can use 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley)
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1/3 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese (can use more)
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1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional add in for more garlic flavor)
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salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup dry breadcrumbs
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oil, for deep-frying
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1 egg (may need another egg)
Instructions
- In a skillet cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned; drain fat then transfer to a large bowl, cool slightly.
- Add in the rice with the next 6 ingredients; using hands mix to combine, then season with salt and pepper and some garlic powder if desired for more garlic flavor.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Shape into about 1-1/2-inch balls.
- In a small bowl lightly beat the remaining egg.
- Place the dry breadcrumbs into another bowl.
- Dip each rice ball into the egg then coat in the breadcrumb mixture (I would suggest to coat all the balls and place on a plate before starting to fry them).
- When you have all the balls on the plate flatten down slightly with the palm of your hand this will allow for a quicker and more even browning.
- Heat oil in a skillet or a deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
- Fry the balls until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Serve with hot marinara sauce.