Rice Timbale is a very easy and tasty recipe. Just a few simple steps to create a truly amazing main course. I love rice in all its forms: a while ago I made rice croquettes and rice frittata with zucchini and mozzarella, which were a huge hit. On the blog, there’s also a dedicated section for risottos, with a special article “10 risottos to try right away”.
The rice timbale is one of the most iconic dishes: its strength lies in its versatility and ability to turn simple ingredients into a unique, rich, and tasty course.
In my version, I used tomato sauce, but nothing prevents you from preparing it with a vegetable ragout sauce and enriching it with other cheeses to make it even more delicious.
If you are looking for other timbales, you are in the right place!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Oven, Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 214.28 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 27.47 (g) of which sugars 0.17 (g)
- Proteins 9.63 (g)
- Fat 7.19 (g) of which saturated 1.55 (g)of which unsaturated 1.25 (g)
- Fibers 0.86 (g)
- Sodium 385.03 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- as needed salt
- as needed basil
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cooked ham
- 3.5 oz smoked cheese
How to make rice timbale in a pan
Boil the rice in plenty of salted water for the time indicated on the package. When done, drain and pour the rice into a bowl.
Meanwhile, in a pot, sauté a clove of garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then add the tomato sauce and season with salt and basil. Cook for about 10 minutes.
When finished, combine the rice, tomato sauce, egg, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix everything together.
At this point, oil and sprinkle breadcrumbs in a 9-inch pan, then pour half of the rice and level it well.
Continue over low heat and start stuffing by adding cooked ham and sliced smoked cheese.
At this point, also pour the other half of the remaining rice and level it well with a spoon.
Cook the timbale over low heat for about 7-8 minutes, then turn the other side with the help of a lid and continue cooking.
Serve it hot or cold garnished with fresh basil.
Storage and tips for Rice Timbale
It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container until the next day. It can be prepared well in advance and can be served either cold or hot with a cheesy filling. Excellent variations depending on the season, for example pumpkin and sausage, or mushrooms and peas, but also a great classic like saffron risotto.
