• ½ cup cooked rice (2 tablespoons raw)
• 2 cups minced stewed beef and cooked spinach
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons grated Swiss or Parmesan cheese
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons grated cheese

Put the rice in a large bowl and add the spinach and beef, the parsley, egg, and cheese. Stir and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Taking a tablespoonful of the mixture at a time, make small round balls. Sprinkle the flour on a tray and roll the balls in it.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the balls in and cook over a medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes (they are cooked when they rise to the surface). Drain them on paper towels and arrange them in a shallow dish. Sprinkle with olive oil and cheese. Check the seasoning and serve.

These balls can be cooked ahead and reheated in a 350° oven for 10 minutes.