Low-Carb Broccoli Rice Croquettes

Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these croquettes are lower in carbs because they use frozen riced broccoli instead of regular rice.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 457 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli rice
• 8 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 0.5 cup almond meal
• 1.75 ounces pancetta, diced
• 0.125 teaspoon powdered saffron, or to taste
• 0.25 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, hot
• 0.5 cup finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 0.5 cup hazelnut meal

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pancetta and cook and stir until cooked through but not too crispy, 4 to 6 minutes. Add frozen broccoli rice and stir until it is warmed through and the liquid releases, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir saffron powder into hot broth and pour mixture into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Transfer broccoli rice to a large bowl to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Step 4

Add shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and egg to cooled rice mixture and mix until well combined. Whisk together almond meal, hazelnut meal, chili powder, and pepper in a separate bowl; remove 1/3 cup and mix into the rice mixture until well combined.

Step 5

Coat your hands with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil. Scoop rice mixture with a 1-ounce cookie scoop into your palm. Make an indentation in the rice ball with the back of the cookie scoop. Place 1 bocconcini inside the indentation and add another scoop rice on top. Form into a ball and roll in the almond meal mixture, coating well on all sides; place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rice, bocconcini, and almond meal mixture.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croquettes over and bake until brown and crispy, about 10 more minutes.