Cheap Rice Fritters over Greens

I know fritters are kind of the "f word" for light cooking, but I have found a way to make a cheap and delicious meal to include fritters without overdoing it. This recipe is based on Rachael Ray's Cheesy Rice Fritters but of course this needed some assistance with cutting calories.

I have to confess, my husband is the one how usually makes these. They are so good with real bacon, but I highly recommend soy product "bacon" or going without to make this dish purely vegetarian and cut back on saturdated fat.

This is also a great cheap meal that includes a lot of pantry items and leftovers. Adjust the ingredients and amounts depending on what you have available, but this is easily one of Rachael's true $10 meals.

Rice Fritters

1 cup brown rice

2-3 slices vegetarian bacon, such as Morning Star (optional)

4 oz shredded low-fat mozzarella or other white cheese

4 oz Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko

crushed red pepper

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

greens, such as spinach, spring greens or a mix

light dressing (optional)

Cook rice using 2.5 cups of water (water should be completely evaporated when done). I am not a fan of brown rice, and I've admitted that a few times, but this is a recipe that I can really support using it. It helps to cut back on a few carbs and the cakes seems fluffier.

Cook bacon, if using, and chop up into pieces. If you do choose to use real bacon I recommend a reduced-fat version but not turkey bacon. This recipe works best with crispy bacon and turkey bacon will not get you there.

Once rice is done and dry, mix together "bacon", salt, pepper, red pepper, egg, bread crumbs and cheeses. Start off with half a cup each of the cheeses and gradually add more if needed. The mixture should be sticky.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a NONSTICK frying pan. If you don't use non-stick you will end up using a lot more oil. Make 10-12 balls out of the rice mixture and press into patties. Fry cakes on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly brown.

Prepare a plate with lots of greens, one tsp dressing (if using) and top with 3-4 cakes. These are filling and delicious and even the husband can make them :)

Other variations include chopped bell peppers and corn. Corn is easily stored frozen so it will accommodate a "cheap" meal. Get creative with this recipe. Add vegetables that are about to go bad or seasoning that you think will liven the taste. And let me know what you try and what works!