Rice Studded Meatballs

Directions

1. 1
   Soak rice in hot tap water in a large bowl while preparing meat mixture.
2. 2
   While rice soaks, put a metal steamer rack in a deep 12-inch skillet or a wide 6-quart pot and add enough water to reach 1/2 inch below bottom of steamer rack.
3. 3
   Remove steamer rack from skillet and line rack with lettuce.
4. 4
   Stir together remaining ingredients (except rice) until combined well.
5. 5
   Drain rice in a sieve and transfer to a shallow dish.
6. 6
   Roll about 1 tablespoon meat mixture into a ball and roll in rice to coat, then transfer to steamer rack.
7. 7
   Make about 30 more coated balls in same manner (use all of meat mixture; there will be leftover rice) and arrange in 1 layer on steamer rack.
8. 8
   Bring water to a boil and set steamer rack in skillet.
9. 9
   Cover tightly and steam over high heat until cooked through, about 25 minutes.
10. 10
    Check water occasionally, adding more as necessary.