CHIVE RISOTTO CAKES ( INA GARTEN BAREFOOT CONTESSA )

Steps:

• Bring a large (4 quart) pot of water to a boil and add ½ tablespoon salt and the Arborio rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The grains of rice will be quite soft. Drain the rice in a sieve and run under cold water until cool. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, chives, Fontina, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a medium bowl. Add the cooled rice and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, until firm.
• When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
• Spread the panko in a shallow dish. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Form balls of the rice mixture using a standard (2 1/4 -inch) ice cream scoop or a large spoon.
• Pat the balls into patties 3 inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick. Place 4-6 patties in the panko, turning once to coat.
• Place the patties in the hot oil and cook, turning once, for about 3 minutes on each side until the risotto cakes are crisp and nicely browned.
• Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and keep warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes.
• Continue cooking in batches, adding oil as necessary, until all the cakes are fried.
• Serve hot.