Low-Carb Broccoli Rice Croquettes

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pancetta and cook and stir until cooked through but not too crispy, 4 to 6 minutes. Add frozen broccoli rice and stir until it is warmed through and the liquid releases, 3 to 5 minutes.

3 . Stage

Stir saffron powder into hot broth and pour mixture into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Transfer broccoli rice to a large bowl to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

4 . Stage

Add shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and egg to cooled rice mixture and mix until well combined. Whisk together almond meal, hazelnut meal, chili powder, and pepper in a separate bowl; remove 1/3 cup and mix into the rice mixture until well combined.

5 . Stage

Coat your hands with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil. Scoop rice mixture with a 1-ounce cookie scoop into your palm. Make an indentation in the rice ball with the back of the cookie scoop. Place 1 bocconcini inside the indentation and add another scoop rice on top. Form into a ball and roll in the almond meal mixture, coating well on all sides; place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rice, bocconcini, and almond meal mixture.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croquettes over and bake until brown and crispy, about 10 more minutes.