Mojo Meatballs with White Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mahatma® White Rice
- 2 lb lean ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 serrano chili pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Citrus Mojo:
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 serrano pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
For a zesty dish with just the right amount of heat, these Mojo Meatballs with Mahatma® White Rice combine powerful flavors in perfect harmony — it’s a simple meal that is sure to spice up your routine.
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook white rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, eggs, serrano, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs; arrange on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 3
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Citrus Mojo
Step 4
In a blender, pulse together cilantro, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, serrano, garlic, sugar and salt until coarsely ground.
Step 5
Serve rice and meatballs with Citrus Mojo.
Cooking Tips
For multiple meals, make a big batch of meatballs and rice. Turn leftover meatballs into a Cuban-style stew with tomatoes and black beans. Serve with reheated rice.
Alternatively, serve meatballs, rice and citrus mojo together in burritos or enchiladas. Leftover rice can also be used in soups, stir fries, or as the base of a rice bowl.
Cilantro Substitutions
Cilantro has traveled the world, playing key roles in many dishes throughout Latin America, Asia, and northern Africa. The Citrusy Mojo sauce is no exception packed with freshly chopped cilantro! But if you are not a big fan of the robust herb, you are not alone. Whether it’s personal preference or heredity, disliking cilantro doesn’t have to stop you from making this delicious dish! Simply swap it out for a similar herb in both the meatballs and the sauce. If you want to bring out the sweeter notes, use basil leaves instead. For a more subtle flavor, parsley can accent the fresh citrus (though consider adding a splash more lime to give the sauce that pop).
This recipe puts some Latin food staples to great use, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this traditional dish. Mahatma® White Rice complements any herbal or spice twist and, while meatballs are traditionally prepared with pork, ground chicken or turkey works well too.
Are Serrano Peppers Spicy?
Packing 5 times more heat than jalapeños but less than habaneros, Serrano peppers provide a kick without overpowering the other flavors. If you are feeling adventurous, leave the seeds in as they hold a large part of the spicy heat! Remember that serranos vary in spiciness but smaller peppers tend to be hotter. For more tips on peppers, check out this guide to Spicy Foods that Bring the Heat.
Love bold flavors but not the spice? Continue experimenting with recipes from Latin American cuisine by trying this Ropa Vieja with Rice – you will be enjoying rich Cuban-inspired flavors without the heat. Next, try other international Latin classics like Mexican-style rice or a delicious dish of Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules. If you are looking for a super easy and yummy side dish try our: Best coconut rice recipe.
