Spicy Rice Balls

Description
Makes approximately 20 rice balls.

Ingredients

 * 1/2 pound lean ground beef
 * 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
 * 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 teaspoon chili powder
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1/3 cup chili sauce
 * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice
 * 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
 * 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 * 1 egg, beaten
 * 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
 * vegetable oil for deep-fat frying

Directions
Cook beef, celery, onion and garlic in large skillet until meat is brown, stirring to crumble. Add chili powder, salt, pepper, chili sauce and 1/4 cup water. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until sauce is very thick. Stir in parsley; set aside.

Combine rice, cheese and butter. While still warm, use 2 tablespoons rice mixture to shape into balls. Press centers with thumb; fill each with 1 tablespoon meat mixture. Enclose rice mixture to seal.

Dip in egg; roll in crumbs. Fry in hot oil (365 degrees) in large saucepan 1 minute, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.