Description
Nettle Wild Onion Rice Balls are a flavorful and nutritious vegan appetizer inspired by foraged Asian cuisine. These compact rice balls combine cooked short-grain rice with blanched nettle leaves and fresh wild onions, seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Rolled in toasted sesame seeds for added texture, they make a perfect snack or picnic treat that is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (cooled)
- 1/2 cup blanched and finely chopped nettle leaves
- 1/4 cup finely chopped wild onions (or green onions)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For Forming
- Oil for hands (to prevent sticking)
- Extra toasted sesame seeds (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the nettles: Blanch the nettle leaves in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes to safely remove the sting. Drain them thoroughly and finely chop once cooled.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked rice, chopped nettle leaves, wild onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, black pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all flavors and ingredients.
- Form the rice balls: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then take portions of the rice mixture and compact them firmly into golf ball-sized spheres.
- Add extra texture (optional): Roll each rice ball in additional toasted sesame seeds if you desire a nuttier texture and visually appealing finish.
- Chill and serve: Serve the rice balls immediately for a soft texture, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving. They make a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Blanch nettles carefully as they can be stinging; boiling water neutralizes this.
- If nettles are unavailable, substitute with spinach or kale for a similar leafy green flavor.
- These rice balls are versatile and fit well as a snack, appetizer, or picnic food.
