Do you have leftover rice from lunch that you would not want to serve at dinner? Try this very quick and delicious Cheese Rice Cutlet recipe to transform plain rice into a remarkable dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can easily create a delightful snack that pairs perfectly with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, or mayonnaise. Whether it’s for kids, adults, kitty parties, birthdays, or family gatherings, all these cheese-filled cutlets are sure to be a hit. Add some grated carrot and finely chopped capsicum to make them extremely nutritious. Let’s get started with this extremely simple and tasty dish!
Ingredients for Cheese Rice Cutlets
Essential Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup sweet corn
- 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- Cheese cubes, as required
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Step 1: Sauté the Onions:
In a pan, heat up one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about a minute. Then, add the garlic paste and cook until the onions become translucent. This forms the flavorful base for your cutlets.
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Step 2: Prepare the Veggie Mixture:
Set up the pan with boiling and mashed sweet corn. Sprinkle in red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated with the corn. This veggie mixture adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the cutlets.
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Step 3: Create the Rice Mixture:
In a large bowl, take the leftover boiled rice and mash it well. Add the cooked veggie mixture to the bowl, followed by 2 tablespoons of roasted semolina (sooji). Mix everything thoroughly to form a thick, cohesive mixture. The semolina helps in binding the mixture, giving the cutlets a nice, firm texture.
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Step 4: Form the Cutlets:
Take a small portion of the rice mixture and flatten it on your palm. Place a small cheese cube in the center and fold the mixture around it to form a small patty or tikki. Repeat this process to make all the cutlets, and place them on a plate ready for frying.
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Step 5: Shallow Fry the Cutlets:
In a pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of oil over a low flame. After adding the cutlets to the pan, cook them for a little while until both sides are golden brown. It should take three to four minutes on each side. Make sure the cutlets are cooked evenly and have a crispy exterior.
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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the cutlets to a serving plate. Serve them hot with mint chutney and tomato ketchup. Enjoy these cheesy, crispy cutlets as a delightful snack or a light meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Cheese Rice Cutlets
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Use Leftover Rice Wisely:
Using leftover rice not only helps in reducing waste but also saves time. Ensure the rice is not too mushy; it should be slightly dry for the best texture.
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Experiment with Fillings:
While cheese cubes are a classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even cheese slices. You can also add other fillings like finely chopped vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor.
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Maintain the Right Consistency:
The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into cutlets. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more semolina or breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
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Healthier Variations:
For a healthier twist, you can bake the cutlets instead of shallow frying them. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cutlets on a greased baking tray for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Nutritional Information
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Caloric Content:
Each serving of Cheese Rice Cutlet contains approximately 150-200 calories, making it a moderate snack option. The cutlets provide a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
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Health Benefits
- Rice: Provides energy through carbohydrates.
- Corn: Rich in fiber and vitamins.
- Cheese: An excellent source of protein and calcium.
- Vegetables: Add essential vitamins and minerals to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with Dips:
Cheese Rice Cutlets taste best when paired with a variety of dips. Tomato ketchup, mint chutney, and mayonnaise are popular choices. You can also serve them with a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy yogurt dip.
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Beverage Pairings:
Complement these cutlets with your favorite beverages. Hot tea or coffee works great for an evening snack, while soft drinks or chilled lemonade can make for a refreshing accompaniment during warmer days.
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Presentation Ideas:
For a party or gathering, arrange the cutlets on a platter with a colorful assortment of dips and garnishes. Use fresh herbs like coriander or mint for garnish to add a touch of freshness and color to the presentation.
Conclusion
Cheese Rice Cutlets are a versatile and delicious way to repurpose leftover rice into a mouth-watering snack. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, flavorful center, they are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these cutlets are perfect for any occasion. So get your ingredients ready and give this dish a try right now. Don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment on how it turned out. Happy Cooking!
