Curried pumpkin risotto balls

Babiche Martens

These delicious bites are hot and tasty, a perfect canape to serve at a mid-winter drinks party. Rolled and breadcrumbed earlier in the day, they can be whipped out and cooked at the last minute. The key to making them is to cook the risotto until smooth and creamy, so the rice will just squish between your fingers.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp	Olive oil
1	Onion, finely chopped
2	Garlic cloves, crushed
2 cups	Pumpkin, grated (Main)
1 Tbsp	Curry powder (Main)
250 g	Risotto rice (Main)
½ cup	White wine
3 cups	Chicken stock, or hot vegetable stock
2 tsp	Lemon zest
¾ cup	Grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp	Butter
½ cup	Flour
2	Eggs, whisked
3 cups	Breadcrumbs, fine
1 bowl	Garlic aioli, to serve

Directions

1. Warm the oil in a large heavy-based pot. Add the onion and garlic cooking for 4 minutes to soften but not brown. Add the grated pumpkin and continue to cook for 7 minutes until it is just soft. Stir through the curry powder.
2. Add the rice and stir through until it is hot and well coated in spice. Pour in the wine and cook for 3 or 4 minutes.
3. Add half a cup of stock and stir until it absorbs. Continue this process until all the stock is used. The rice will take about 25 minutes to cook. If you need a little more liquid use boiling water.
4. Stir through the zest, parmesan and butter. Remove from the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the risotto into the bowl, cover and allow to cool completely.
5. Roll the risotto into walnut-sized balls and place on to a lined tray. Place the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs into three bowls. Dust the balls in flour, dip in egg then roll in breadcrumbs and refrigerate until ready to cook.
6. Just before serving, heat a deep-fat fryer or pot (half-fill) with flavourless oil to 170C. Place one ball in to test the temperature and cook for 3-4 minutes, removing with a slotted spoon. Continue with the remaining balls.
7. Serve hot with garlic aioli.

More of Angela's mid-winter drinks party recipes

• Olive, cheese and chilli quesadilla
• 10-hour lamb with flatbreads