African Rice Balls
Discover the delightful simplicity of African Rice Balls, a versatile staple that pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful soups and stews like groundnut soup, palm nut soup, or egusi stew. Made with just three ingredients—medium- or short-grain white rice, water, and a pinch of salt—this recipe creates perfectly sticky, tender rice mashed and shaped into satisfying, tennis ball-sized portions. The process of rinsing, slow simmering, and mashing releases the rice's natural starch, yielding a texture that's both hearty and comforting. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for family dinners or exploring the diverse flavors of African cuisine. Whether you're a fan of bold, spicy broths or creamy, nutty sauces, these rice balls are the ultimate companion, offering a soft and chewy bite that soaks up every ounce of flavor.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice (preferably medium-grain or short-grain)
- 5 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil.
Once the rice begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
After the rice has absorbed most of the water and is soft, use a wooden spoon or a masher to vigorously mash the rice in the pot. This helps release the starch, making it sticky and easy to shape.
Allow the mashed rice to cool slightly (just enough to handle it safely). Wet your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking and scoop a handful of rice. Shape it into a smooth ball, about the size of a tennis ball.
Repeat the process until all the rice has been shaped into balls.
Serve the rice balls warm with your favorite African soup or stew, such as groundnut soup, palm nut soup, or egusi stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
520 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.8 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1220 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 112.8 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.4 g | ||
| Protein | 9.6 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 112 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 140 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
