Tender Rice, Cheese and Spinach Moons
Baked half-moon bites made with cooked rice, mild spinach, and melted cheese. They are tender inside and lightly golden outside, making them great for little hands and playful meals.
Ingredients
- 240 g cooked white rice (cold or at room temperature)
- 40 g fresh spinach (chopped finely)
- 90 g shredded mozzarella cheese (of sabor suave)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 45 g breadcrumbs (for dar estructura)
- 50 g carrot (grated fina)
- 15 ml olive oil (more a poco for engrasar)
- 2 g onion powder (optional)
- 1 g garlic powder (optional)
- 2 g salt (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper brushed with a few drops of olive oil.
- 2
2. Place the chopped spinach in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Cook for 30 to 40 seconds until wilted. Drain very well and chop again if needed.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked white rice, spinach, grated carrot, shredded mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- 4
4. Stir with a spoon until you get a moist mixture that holds together when pressed. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb some of the moisture.
- 5
5. Scoop portions of about 2 tablespoons and shape them into half moons with your hands. Place each little moon on the tray, leaving a bit of space between them.
- 6
6. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, carefully turning them halfway through, until the edges are golden and the cheese looks melted.
- 7
7. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving so they firm up slightly and reach a comfortable temperature for children.
Chef tips
If the mixture feels too wet, add 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs. For a more even shape, you can use a small half-moon cutter by gently pressing the mixture onto the tray.
Substitutions
You can swap the mozzarella for Oaxaca-style cheese or another mild melting cheese. The spinach can be replaced with tender chard that has been well cooked and drained. White rice can be replaced with cooked soft brown rice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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