Colorful Vegetable Rice Balls for Kids
Super Easy Rice Ball Recipe Using Leftover Vegetables
Rice balls are my eldest child’s absolute favorite! When you don’t have many side dishes available, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover vegetables and rice from the fridge. Calling all picky eaters – this recipe is for you! These visually appealing rice balls are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a hit even with children who usually shy away from veggies.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 1/3 Carrot (finely diced)
- 1/4 Zucchini (finely diced)
- 5-6 slices of ham (finely diced)
- 1/3 Potato (finely diced)
- 2 cups of cooked rice (day-old or frozen rice works well)
- A little cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables and ham for the rice balls. Wash the potato, onion, carrot, zucchini, and ham slices thoroughly. Dice them into small, uniform pieces. Feel free to use any other vegetables you have on hand. For children, dicing them as finely as possible will ensure they mix well with the rice and are easy to eat.
Step 2
Lightly grease a frying pan with cooking oil. You don’t need a lot.
Step 3
Add all the diced vegetables and ham to the preheated pan over medium heat.
Step 4
Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften slightly and become tender. Be careful not to overcook them to a mush; maintaining a slight bite is ideal.
Step 5
In a large bowl, place the 2 cups of cooked rice. Slightly cooled rice or day-old rice is best for shaping, but thawed frozen rice works too. Add the sautéed vegetable and ham mixture to the rice. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of tuna extract for a boost of umami (soy sauce can be used as a substitute).
Step 6
Add 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
Step 7
Prepare the sesame seeds. Lightly crush or rub the sesame seeds between your palms before adding them to release more of their fragrant aroma. Add a desired amount.
Step 8
Now, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. You can use a spatula or spoon, or put on disposable gloves and mix by hand for a more even distribution.
Step 9
Finally, season the mixture. Add just a tiny pinch of salt to adjust the overall flavor. Remember that the vegetables and ham already contain some salt, so be mindful not to add too much.
Step 10
Put on disposable gloves and shape the mixture into small, round balls (about 3-4 cm in diameter). Making them bite-sized is key for children. Arrange them nicely on a plate, and they’re ready to serve!
Step 11
These colorful vegetable rice balls are a perfect meal for children, or even for a picnic lunchbox. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes or make several smaller balls to make them even more appealing!
