Veggie Rice Balls

These crispy pumpkin rice bites are a simple, nourishing recipe perfect for mums, kids, and anyone wanting to support their hormones naturally. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like pumpkin, turmeric, and extra virgin olive oil, they make the ultimate healthy snack or lunchbox option!  Golden, crunchy, and full of goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 600g Pumpkin chopped into chunks
• 3-4x cups cooked rice (cook in chicken broth)
• 1x Onion diced
• 1x Carrot grated
• 1x Zucchini grated
• 2x Garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp Parsley freshly chopped
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• Salt + Pepper
• EVOO

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180
2. Steam or boil the pumpkin for approx. 10 minutes (or until soft)
3. In a saucepan heat some evoo
4. Add onion, garlic, zucchini, carrot and sauté for around 5 minutes until they soften
5. In a large bowl mash the pumpkin
6. Add the sautéed veggie mixture
7. Add 3x cups of cooked rice (add more if you feel there isn't enough rice, if you add too much they will be harder to press together)
8. Add turmeric, parsley, salt + pepper
9. Mix to combine
10. Line a baking tray with baking paper
11. Roll/press into approx. 16-18 large tablespoon sized balls 
12. Drizzle with a small amount of evoo
13. Bake in the oven for 45-1hr depending on your oven (we want the outer rice to be really crispy)

Tips

• Serve with homemade tzatziki or hummus 
• Add the rice in slowly, you want the pumpkin coating the rice so that it sticks together 
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge

Nutritionist Notes

These bites are rich in beta-carotene, fibre, and healthy fats which are all essential for hormone production, gut health, and steady energy throughout the day. Perfect for busy mums needing something nourishing, satisfying, and family-friendly.