Creamy Havarti Risotto Balls

Name: Creamy Havarti Risotto Balls
Ingredients: 1 small brown onion, finely chopped; 50 g butter; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 2 rashers bacon, diced; ¾ cup arborio rice; 500 ml chicken stock, simmered; 2 tbsp finely shredded fresh basil; 200 g Castello® Creamy havarti; ½ cup plain flour; 2 eggs, lightly whisked; 1 cup dried breadcrumbs; vegetable oil, to deep fry; tomato chutney, to serve

6 servings

Our recipe for Creamy Havarti Risotto Balls is fried perfection in every sense. Crammed with ingredients that would shine on their own, flavours are full-bodied with the added aroma of fresh basil and garlic. A satisfying crunch makes these bite-sized treats worthy of an encore.

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ingredients

1 small brown onion, finely chopped
50 g butter
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 rashers bacon, diced
¾ cup arborio rice
500 ml chicken stock, simmered
2 tbsp finely shredded fresh basil
200 g Castello® Creamy havarti
½ cup plain flour
2 eggs, lightly whisked
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
vegetable oil, to deep fry
tomato chutney, to serve

preparation

Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and bacon; cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains in butter.

2. Add the simmering chicken stock to the rice, a ladleful at a time, and stir continuously until the stock is absorbed. Cook for 15 minutes, until the risotto is creamy but the rice is still firm to the bite. Set aside to cool completely and then stir through the basil.

3. Divide the block of Castello® Creamy Havarti into 24 pieces. Roll 1 tablespoon of risotto mixture around each piece of cheese. Dust each ball in flour, dip in egg and roll in breadcrumbs until completely coated. Place on a tray, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. Deep-fry the risotto balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the cheese center is soft. Drain on paper towel and then serve immediately.