Creamy Havarti risotto balls

Name: Creamy Havarti risotto balls
Ingredients: 200 g Castello® Aged havarti; ½ cup plain flour; ¾ cup arborio rice; 2 eggs, lightly whisked; 2 rashers beef bacon, diced; 1 cup dried breadcrumbs; 500 ml chicken stock, simmered; tomato chutney, to serve; 1 smal brown onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 2 tbsp finely shredded fresh basil; 50 g butter; vegetable oil, to deep fry

6 servings

Savoury delights – our recipe for havarti risotto balls is fried perfection in every sense. Crammed with ingredients that would shine on their own, flavours are full-bodied with added aroma from fresh basil and garlic. A satisfying crunch makes these bite-sized treats worthy of an encore.

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ingredients

200 g Castello® Aged havarti
½ cup plain flour
¾ cup arborio rice
2 eggs, lightly whisked
2 rashers beef bacon, diced
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
500 ml chicken stock, simmered
tomato chutney, to serve
1 smal brown onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tbsp finely shredded fresh basil
50 g butter
vegetable oil, to deep fry

preparation

Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and beef bacon; cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains in butter.

2. Add the simmering chicken stock to the rice, a ladleful at a time, and stir continuously until the stock is absorbed. Continue adding the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring continuously, allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Cook for 15 minutes, until the risotto is creamy but the rice is still firm to the bite. Set aside to cool completely and then stir through the basil.

3. Divide the block of Castello Creamy Havarti into 24 pieces. Roll 1 tablespoon of risotto mixture around each piece of cheese. Dust each ball in flour, dip in egg and roll in breadcrumbs until completely coated. Place on a tray, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. Deep-fry the risotto balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the cheese center is soft. Drain on paper towel and then serve immediately.