Italian Rice Balls

INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste (recipe originally called for 1 tsp)
• 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth or 2 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cups dried breadcrumbs
• 2 cups olive oil or 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, in cubes (optional)