A delicious spicy sausage and feta filling in a crispy breaded crust that may be made ahead, I have stated the yield at 35-40 it will of coarse depend on the size that you shape them balls you may get a few more or less
You may shape and bread the balls up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, save about 1/4-1/3 cup breadcrumbs coat the balls into again just before frying….or you may fry the balls hours in advance and and stick them in the oven to crisp up again just before serving, you can omit the sausage and use one 10-ounce box frozen spinach, cooked and hand-squeezed dry
Plan ahead the sausage/rice mixture needs to chill for a few hours or even overnight
Yield 35-40 balls
INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
1/2 pound spicy Italian sausages, casings removed, cooked/browned, cooled and finely crumbled
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (rubbed between fingers to release the flavors)
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/3 cup melted butter
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional or to taste)
1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley (or 1-1/2 tablespoons dried parsley)
1/3 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese (can use more)
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
seasoned salt, optional and to taste
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
olive oil for deep-frying
INSTRUCTIONS:——————————————-
Cook rice in a saucepan with 4-3/4 cups water until tender; cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
Mix in cooked sausage meat, onion powder, garlic powder, 2 eggs and the next 6 ingredients; using clean hands mix to combine then season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Shape into about 1-1/2-inch balls or desired size.
In a shallow bowl whisk 2 eggs.
Place the dry breadcrumbs into another bowl
Coat one ball into the egg allowing any excess to drip off then coat into the breadcrumbs, place onto a large plate then continue with all remaining balls (coat all the balls and place onto a plate before starting to fry them and at this point you may cover and refrigerate until ready to fry).
Heat oil in a skillet about 3-inches in depth or a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (if using a fry pan to fry the balls in and depending on what oil you use to fry in you may want to change your oil halfway through).
You will also find this recipe on Recipezazz.com
Fry the balls until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes).