Curried Cauliflower Rice Balls

Name: Curried Cauliflower Rice Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium cauliflower, grated; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed; 1/4 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro; Salt, to taste

I absolutely love making Curried Cauliflower Rice Balls because they combine vibrant flavors with a healthy twist! The secret is using freshly grated cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, which gives them a lovely texture and makes them lighter. I often serve these as a party appetizer or a vegetarian main dish, and they never fail to impress. The warmth of the spices blends beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. Plus, they are quick and easy to prepare, which is a bonus on busy days!

Created by

Emmas

Last updated on 2026-02-08T14:41:29.114Z

When I first experimented with Curried Cauliflower Rice Balls, I was amazed at how delicious and versatile they turned out to be. Using cauliflower instead of regular rice not only cuts down on calories but also adds a unique flavor and texture. The key is to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower rice to ensure the balls hold their shape while frying.

To make the recipe even more special, I like to pair them with a tangy yogurt sauce. This addition balances the spices beautifully and enhances the dish's overall flavor profile. It's a delightful combo that I can't wait to share with friends at our next gathering!

        Why You'll Love These Rice Balls
        A perfect blend of spices for a warm and comforting bite
Healthy substitution with cauliflower that you won’t even notice
Great as a snack, appetizer, or main dish
Easy to make ahead and freeze for later

      

The Importance of Grating Cauliflower

Grating cauliflower into rice-like pieces is crucial for achieving the right texture in these rice balls. A food processor can make this task quicker, but if you're using a box grater, it’s best to opt for the medium hole side to create uniform pieces. This allows for even cooking and a pleasing bite. After grating, be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture completely; otherwise, the mixture can become soggy and difficult to shape into balls.

Using fresh cauliflower ensures that the cauliflower rice retains a bit of crunch, providing a contrast to the soft chickpeas and breadcrumbs. If you're in a hurry or don’t have a fresh head of cauliflower, frozen cauliflower rice can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing, as the moisture content can vary greatly.

Techniques for Perfect Frying

Achieving perfectly golden brown rice balls requires paying close attention to the frying process. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and test if it's ready by dropping a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately. If the oil is too hot, the outside may brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. If it's too low, the rice balls might absorb excess oil and become greasy.

Frying in batches is essential to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook the balls for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally using a slotted spoon. You want an even golden color on all sides, so patience is key! Once fried, drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring a crisp exterior.

Customizing Your Yogurt Sauce

The yogurt sauce for these rice balls is versatile and can be customized to suit your palate. For an added kick, consider incorporating spices like cumin or paprika to enhance the sauce’s flavor. You could also mix in a hint of garlic powder or even a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist, depending on your taste preferences.

If you want a vegan option, swap the plain yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. This will slightly change the flavor profile but maintain the creamy texture perfect for dipping. Additionally, you can experiment by adding chopped cucumbers or grated carrots to the sauce for a refreshing crunch, providing an exciting textural contrast when served with the crispy rice balls.

Ingredients

For the Rice Balls

1 medium cauliflower, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
1/4 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying

For the Yogurt Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

Grate the cauliflower into fine rice-like pieces. Place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, breadcrumbs, mashed chickpeas, onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Shape the Balls

Once mixed, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Fry the Rice Balls

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the rice balls in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, cilantro, and salt. Adjust to taste.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the rice balls from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with the yogurt sauce.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs or spices to the mixture. These rice balls can also be baked instead of fried for a lighter option.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

These Curried Cauliflower Rice Balls can be made ahead of time, which is a great convenience for busy days. After shaping the balls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. This pre-freezing prevents them from sticking together, allowing for easy storage in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for spontaneous snacking.

When you're ready to enjoy them, simply fry the frozen balls directly from the freezer—there's no need to thaw, which helps maintain their shape. Just ensure you extend the frying time by a couple of minutes until they’re golden and heated through. This method not only saves time but ensures you can always have a delightful snack or appetizer on hand.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you’re hosting a larger gathering, scaling up this recipe is quite straightforward. Just multiply the ingredients proportionally; however, be mindful of your mixing bowl’s size—an excessively full bowl can make it difficult to mix thoroughly. It’s advisable to work in batches or mix larger quantities in a larger container for efficiency.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the ingredients. The rice balls can be fried in smaller batches, and any leftover mixture can be refrigerated for a couple of days before frying. As a tip, when scaling down, check the seasoning and flavors to ensure they remain balanced, as small quantities can sometimes dilute flavors more than you expect.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works great! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.

→ How do I store leftover rice balls?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a crunchy texture.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the yogurt sauce or use a vegan yogurt alternative.

→ What can I serve with these rice balls?

They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, or you can serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.