Pimiento Cornmeal Croquettes Recipes

PIMIENTO-CORNMEAL CROQUETTES

Steps:

• Scallion Mayonnaise: Stir together mayonnaise and scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. (Makes 1/2 cup.)
• Croquettes: In a heavy pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil; add 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly stir in cornmeal in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cornmeal is tender and has thickened, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese spread and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into an 8-by-8-inch straight-sided baking dish. Let cool completely, then refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
• Turn cornmeal mixture out onto a cutting board. Slice into thirty-six 1 1/4-inch squares. Place flour, eggs, and panko in separate shallow dishes. A few at a time, coat squares in flour, shaking off excess; then dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Dredge all sides in breadcrumbs, patting to adhere.
• In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high until a few panko crumbs dropped in sizzle immediately. Working in batches, add squares to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. (If browning too quickly, reduce heat.) Transfer squares to paper towels; season with salt. Serve with a dollop of scallion mayonnaise and garnished with greens; or let cool completely and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, up to 2 weeks.