Croquetas De Gambas -- Prawn Croquettes (Spain)

Submitted by Sydney Mike

"This recipe was found online in spain-recipes.com & s posted here for Zaar World Tour 5. Preparation time does not include time needed for the sauce to cool completely. NOTE: The list of ingredients does not include the olive oil to use in deep-frying!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 25mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 36 croquettes
• Serves: 18

ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 ounces unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk, cold
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper, to taste
• 14 ounces prawns, cooked, peeled, diced
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 5 -6 tablespoons breadcrumbs, fine
• 2 large eggs, beaten

directions

1. In a medium saucepan melt butter, then add the flour & cook it, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.
2. A little at a time, add cold milk, stirring continuously until there is a thick, smooth sauce.
3. Add prawns & season well before stirring in the tomato paste.
4. Continue cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until the sauce is quite thick.
5. Cool the sauce COMPLETELY, 4-5 hours or overnight.
6. Take scant tablespoons of the mixture & form into a 'croqueta' (a cylinder not more than 2 inches long).
7. Roll each croqueta in breadcrumbs, then coat with beaten egg, then roll again in the breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs MUST BE DRY to ensure an even coating.
8. In a large, heavy-based saucepan heat the olive oil for deep-frying until temperature reaches 350 degrees F or a cube of bread turns golden brown in 20-30 seconds.
9. Deep-fry in batches of not more than 4 for about 5 minutes or until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon & drain on paper towels.
10. Serve ASAP & enjoy!