Shrimp Croquettes With Creamed Green Peas Recipes

SHRIMP AND BLACK-EYED PEA "CROQUETTES"

Steps:

• Soak peas in water to cover by 2 inches at least 8 hours and up to 12. Drain in a colander.
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
• Pulse peas, onion, cilantro, peppers, and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until finely chopped, then transfer to a bowl.
• Toss shrimp with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Press a scant tablespoon pea mixture around each shrimp, encasing shrimp in a thin even layer but leaving tail (and shell) exposed, then transfer to baking sheet.
• Put eggs and panko in 2 separate shallow bowls. Holding 1 shrimp by the tail, dip coated portion of shrimp first into egg, letting excess drip off, and then into crumbs, returning shrimp to baking sheet. Coat remaining shrimp in same manner.
• Line another baking sheet with paper towels. Heat 1 1/4 inches oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot (9 to 10 inches in diameter) until it registers 350°F on thermometer. Fry croquettes in 4 batches, turning over once or twice, until deep golden, 2 to 3 minutes per batch, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Keep fried croquettes warm in oven while frying remainder, returning oil to 350°F between batches.
• Serve croquettes immediately.
• *Available at Latino markets and Sendexnet (866-736-3396; sendexnet.com).
• **Available at Asian markets, some supermarkets, and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).

SHRIMP CROQUETTES (CROQUETTES DE CREVETTES)

Steps:

• Peel and devein the shrimp. Chop them finely. There should be about two cups. Set aside.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onion. Cook until wilted, stirring with a wire whisk. Add three tablespoons of the flour and the paprika, stirring. Add the milk and shrimp liquid, stirring rapidly with the whisk.
• When thickened and smooth, continue cooking about two minutes. Add the chopped shrimp, egg yolks and sherry. Cook briefly about 30 seconds, stirring.
• Add half of the bread crumbs, salt and pepper to taste and the cayenne. Blend well. Let stand until thoroughly cooled.
• Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Roll the balls in the remaining one-quarter cup of flour. Mold them into the desired form: spheres, cylinders, pyramids or flat cakes.
• Beat the egg with the water. Roll the croquettes in the egg mixture and then in the remaining bread crumbs. Press to help crumbs adhere. Shake off excess.
• Heat the oil for deep frying. Add the croquettes a few at a time and cook about four minutes or until golden brown. Serve, if desired, with Newburg sauce.