1. Prepare the Zucchini Balls:
- Grate and Drain Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy zucchini balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 balls.
- Fry the Balls: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the zucchini balls in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
2. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the water or vegetable broth and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make Roux: Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Serve the crispy zucchini balls on a bed of rice. Drizzle with the garlic sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Balls:
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Removing excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial for achieving crispy balls. Don’t skip this step.
- Breadcrumbs: If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy balls. Test with a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle when added to the oil.
- Garlic Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead: Both the zucchini balls and garlic sauce can be made ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving.
This Zucchini Balls with Rice and Garlic Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh taste of zucchini and the comforting flavors of a creamy garlic sauce. With its crispy zucchini balls, fluffy rice, and luscious sauce, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of this satisfying and flavorful meal!