Proper diet + positive & active lifestyle = Wellness. Growth. Development = Veggie Rice Balls
So, we’re taking a couple of courses on Coursera about nutrition, health promotion, and disease prevention and we’re amazed by the quality of information we’re discovering. It’s only the first and, respectively, the second week of ‘studying’ and we already have some thoughts to ponder upon:
- We need to be more aware of our sodium intake (before you even know it, you’re beyond the daily recommended amount).
- We want to be more knowledgeable about healthy carbs and to incorporate the (low) glycemic index (GI) into our daily food-thinking and preparation.
- We want to incorporate more high-fiber content foods into our daily diet.
Few thoughts on high-fiber foods… They are more slowly digested by our bodies and they deliver less sugar. Some fibers carry out some of the bad fats from our bodies, while some help exercise our stomach muscles, keeping them healthy and, some say, preventing colon cancer. And they’re so good for cholesterol!
Even if we’re good, we want to be better – we’re aiming to replace half of the white rice and regular pasta we consume with whole grain rice and pasta. Not all, just half. Now, we made these rice balls a few days ago, before starting the course, otherwise, we would have made the first steps towards meeting our resolution – we would have given them a go with brown rice! If you do that before we get a chance, do let us know how they turn out!
These veggie rice balls are a perfect way to make use of leftover rice from yesterday’s dinner. They’re perfect for a light lunch, accompanied by a Fresh La Scala Chopped Salad, or even as an afternoon snack…accompanied by salad 🙂 They’re very easy to make (took us about 10 minutes all in all) and go with just about any veggies and spices you can think of & prefer.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Easy Veggie Rice Balls are an excellent option for meal prepping. Here’s why:
- Batch Cooking: You can make a large batch of this veggie rice balls recipe in advance, allowing you to have healthy snacks or quick meals ready throughout the week. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
- Convenient Grab-and-Go Option: Prepped rice balls are perfect for busy days. Simply grab a few for a nutritious snack or lunch, reducing the temptation to choose less healthy options when you’re short on time.
- Versatile Pairing: They can be served with various dips or salads, making them versatile for different meals. Pair them with a simple salad, yogurt sauce, or spicy dip to keep things exciting.
- Long Shelf Life: Stored properly, they can last several days in the fridge or be frozen for longer. This means you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them when it suits you.
Meal prepping with veggie rice balls not only saves time but also ensures you always have a delicious, healthy option on hand! These rice balls are also a great option for kids; they make excellent veggie rice balls for baby when cut into smaller pieces.
Easy Veggie Rice Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using cooked rice)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 15–17 rice balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 big salad leaf, finely chopped
- 1 medium green onion, finely chopped
- 2 small celery ribs, finely chopped
- Handful of parsley, finely chopped
- 2 TBSP tahini
- 1 TBSP linseed, ground
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Sesame seeds, to coat
Instructions
- Mix everything (except sesame seeds) by hand in a big bowl.
- Make the small balls by pressing them between your palms. Press lightly with both palms a few times, until they hold together. Then roll each in sesame seeds.
We served them with a spicy roasted pepper sauce, which we made ourselves over the weekend, and with a simple salad.
Enjoy!
Notes:
- These rice balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or serve on a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (in 3 rice balls)
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Vegetarian Customizations for Easy Veggie Rice Balls
Here are some vegetarian customizations for the Easy Veggie Rice Balls that can enhance their flavor, nutrition, and overall appeal:
- Legumes:
- Chickpeas or Black Beans: Mix in mashed chickpeas or black beans for extra protein.
- Lentils: Add cooked lentils for heartiness and texture.
- Vegetable Variations:
- Roasted Vegetables: Use finely chopped roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Sweet Corn or Peas: Include sweet corn or peas for sweetness and color.
- Herbs and Spices:
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for brightness.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or curry powder.
- Healthy Fats:
- Avocado: Mash in ripe avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil into the mixture for added flavor.
- Grain Options:
- Wild Rice or Farro: Substitute with wild rice or farro for a nutty taste.
- Millet or Bulgur: Use millet or bulgur for a different texture.
- Dipping Sauces:
- Avocado Dip: Pair with an avocado-based dip for creaminess.
- Yogurt Sauce: Serve with a tangy yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
- Toppings:
- Microgreens: Top with fresh microgreens for nutrition and freshness.
- Sliced Olives: Add chopped olives for a briny flavor.
These vegetarian rice balls recipe enhance flavor and nutrition while keeping the rice balls delicious!
#VeggieRiceBalls #HealthyEating #FiberRichFoods #QuickRecipes #PlantBased
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Easy Veggie Rice Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using cooked rice)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 15–17 rice balls 1x
- Category: Healthy Food
Description
Discover the delicious, nutritious, and super easy-to-make veggie rice balls, packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings at Tales Of A Kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 big salad leaf, finely chopped
- 1 medium green onion, finely chopped
- 2 small celery ribs, finely chopped
- Handful of parsley, finely chopped
- 2 TBSP tahini
- 1 TBSP linseed, ground
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Sesame seeds, to coat
Instructions
- Mix everything (except sesame seeds) by hand in a big bowl.
- Make the small balls by pressing them between your palms. Press lightly with both palms a few times, until they hold together. Then roll each in sesame seeds.
Notes
- These rice balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or serve on a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg