Elevate Your Snack Game With Homemade Crispy Rice Dumpling

Crispy rice dumplings are made from leftover rice, vegetables, and spices, deep-fried to golden perfection. This versatile and flavorful snack is a great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious treat.

Crispy rice dumplings are an innovative way to use leftover rice, combined with rice flour, and a variety of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers. The mixture is seasoned with spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, and garam masala, adding depth of flavor. Formed into small balls or discs, the mixture is deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown crispiness. These dumplings are a versatile snack, customizable with different vegetables and spices according to personal preference. They are best served hot, accompanied by chutney or your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe not only offers a tasty snack but also reduces food waste by creatively using leftover rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• Water, as needed
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, rice flour, chopped onions, carrots, bell peppers, green chilies, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Form the Dough:

• Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, until it forms a soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not too sticky. Adjust the rice flour if necessary to achieve the right consistency.

3. Shape the Dumplings:

• Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. You can also shape them into small discs if preferred.

4. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.

5. Fry the Dumplings:

• Carefully place the shaped dumplings into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if needed. Fry the dumplings until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

6. Drain Excess Oil:

• Once the dumplings are fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve:

• Serve the crispy rice dumplings hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. They make for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Tips:

• Ensure the rice is not too mushy; slightly firm rice works best.
• You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to the mixture.
• For extra flavor, add grated ginger or garlic to the dough.

Enjoy your crispy rice dumplings as a delightful and crunchy treat.