Italian Stuffed Rice Balls (Suppli alla Telefono)

Suppli alla Telefono is Italian rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with pomodora sauce. I thought I died and went to heaven when I took my first bite of these scrumptous appetizers.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-8

Ingredients

• SUPPLI RICE BALLS

• 4  cloves garlic, diced
• 4  tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 8  ounces arborio rice or 8  ounces risotto rice, cooked (italian)
• 3  tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2  ounces butter, melted
• 3  ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1  buffalo mozzarella
• 2  ounces sun-dried tomatoes
• 2  ounces flour
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 4  ounces  fresh white breadcrumbs
•  vegetable oil (for frying)
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

• POMODORA SAUCE

• 1  cup  chopped red onion
• 2  lbs fresh tomatoes, cut in half,seeded,and diced
• 2  tablespoons fresh garlic
• 4  ounces red wine
• 4 -6  tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 4  tablespoons fresh chives, snipped
• 4  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1  teaspoon salt
•  pepper
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon  crushed red chili pepper
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon  crushed red chili pepper

Directions

1. ~~~RICEBALLS~~~.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan with the garlic and onion.
3. Cook until soft and add the basil.
4. Add the cooked rice, season and blend it all together well.
5. Pour the rice into a bowl, place in the fridge to chill.
6. When cold, fold in the Parmesan and butter.
7. Divide the rice into small balls of equal size pieces.
8. Cut the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes into half inch size pieces.
9. Push a piece of mozzarella and tomatoes into the center of each rice ball.
10. Reform the rice, pulling back over the cheese and tomato, ensuring it is completely enclosed.
11. Coat the rice balls in seasoned flour (salt and pepper) then beaten egg, then into the breadcrumbs.
12. Deep fry the balls in hot vegetable oil for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
13. Drain on kitchen paper.
14. ~~~POMODORASAUCE~~~.
15. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat until hot.
16. Add red onion and garlic and saute until onion is soft.
17. Add red wine and reduce heat slightly.
18. Add tomatoes, basil, chives and parsley and remove from heat.
19. You want the ingredients just heated, not actually cooked.
20. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
21. Place Suppli (Rice Balls) on a platter and pour the sauce on and around the Rice Balls.