Prawn Croquettes (Kroket)

ZWT7 Switzerland. Besides the common ragout type filling, other popular fillings are whole boiled eggs, noodles, shrimps and rice. A smaller version of the kroket, the bitterbal, is often served with mustard as a snack in bars and at receptions. The possibilities are almost endless - here we have used shrimp. From http://www.spain-recipes.com.

• Ready In: 13 hrs
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 36 Units

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 ounces butter
• 4  ounces plain flour
• 1 1⁄4 pints  cold milk
•  salt and pepper
• 14  ounces  cooked peeled shrimp, diced
• 2  teaspoons tomato puree
• 5 -6  tablespoons  fine breadcrumbs
• 2  large eggs, beaten
•  olive oil, for deep-frying

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and add the flour, stirring continuously. Allow the flour to cook in the butter for a couple of minutes, continuing to stir.
2. Start adding the cold milk little by little, stirring all the while until you have a thick, smooth sauce.
3. Add the shrimp, season well and stir in the tomato paste. Continue to cook for 7 or 8 minutes. The end result should be quite thick.
4. Let the mixture cool completely - it is usually a good idea to leave it overnight.
5. Take a scant tablespoon of the mixture and form into a croqueta, a 1 1/2 - 2 inch cylinder. Roll the croqueta in the breadcrumbs, then coat in the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs again. Make sure the breadcrumbs are always dry to ensure an even coating.
6. Heat the oil for deep-frying in a large, heavy-based pan until the temperature reaches 350ºF or a cube of bread turns golden brown in 20-30 seconds.
7. Fry in batches of no more than 3 or 4 for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slatted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and serve immediately.