Rice Balls

Rice features greatly at any Nigerian party or event; jollof, fried or plain boiled rice. They are straight forward to make and are popular. Nobody would turn down a rice dish. 

The fact that rice is always served at parties often means that party food becomes predictable and monotonous….I imagine that people would secretly hope that there would be something new on the menu….

With this recipe, I demonstrate how to create a delicious alternative rice dish that can be served as party canapes using ingredients similar to those used to make those popular rice dishes. Excite your guests by leaving a little meaty surprise in the middle of each ball.

Rice Balls

What you need

• Rice (preferably short grain variety) 
• Onions (finely chopped) 
• Green pepper (finely chopped)
• Red pepper (finely chopped)
• Locust beans (finely chopped. To reduce the pungent smell, rinse in some cider vinegar.)
• Pre-made ata dindin sauce
• Chicken stock
• Thyme
• Curry powder
• Seasoning salt
• Coconut oil
• Finely shredded ugu leaves for garnish
• *Small pieces of cooked chicken or prawns to hide in the middle of each rice ball (optional)

What to do

1. Wash the rice and cook in some chicken stock until soft. In a separate pan, stir fry the onions, peppers and locust beans in some coconut oil. Add seasoning salt, thyme and curry powder. 
2. Stir all ingredients around to avoid burning, also you can sprinkle some stock or water as well. 
3. Once the onions have soften, add some pre-made ata diddin or any other chilli sauce of your choice. 
4. Then add all into the cooked rice and stir in to distribute all ingredients evenly. This process will help to mash the rice a little which is desired to enable the rice to mould and hold as balls. 
5. Once all ingredients are evenly mixed into the rice, use an ice-cream scoop to make balls or mould by hand. 
6. If using, remember to place a piece of chicken or prawn in the centre of each ball. Serve with some ata dindin.

Rice balls

Rice Balls