Italian Rice Balls

Description
This is a fabulous recipe that my girls love to help me make (and eat!!). A word of warning though - they are rather moreish! The timings are approximations as I have no idea how long they take us to make. This recipe is from Ursula Ferrigno's Risotto.



Ingredients

 * 800 	 ml  vegetable stock
 * 50 	g unsalted butter
 * 275 	g risotto rice
 * 175 	g mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
 * 6 	shallots, finely sliced
 * 1/2 	cup mixed herbs, chopped (parsley, basil & oregano; recipe says handful)
 * 1 	finely grated large unwaxed orange, zest of
 * 6 	tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (please use fresh cheese)
 * 6 	tablespoons olive oil, for frying
 * salt and pepper

Directions

 * Heat stock in a large saucepan and keep on a constant simmer.
 * Melt butter in another saucepan and add rice stirring to coat all the grains; Add stock, one ladle at a time until absorbed; Continue until the rice is tender but still firm, approximately 18-20 minutes.
 * Add mozzarella, shallots, herbs, orange zest, parmesan, salt and pepper; mix and remove from the heat and allow to cool; The rice is much easier to shape when it is cool.
 * Shape rice into 8 balls.
 * Dip each one into beaten egg and coat well, then roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing crumbs into any areas that may look a bit bare.
 * Heat oil in pan, add the rice balls and cook until golden all over; you can do this in two batches if necessary; Drain well on kitchen paper.
 * Serve hot or cold.