Cuban Croquetas Recipe Recipe Card Recipe Cards

CRAB CROQUETTAS

Steps:

• For the bechamel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the foam has subsided, add the onion and peppers and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Whisk in flour until a paste forms and cook for a couple of minutes while whisking. Slowly add milk in a steady stream to form a thick sauce. Season to taste with salt. Set aside to cool, about 20 minutes.
• For the croquettas: In a medium bowl, add crabmeat. Gently toss with lime juice. Set aside.
• When the bechamel has cooled, add several spoonfuls to the crab until it just holds together. Shape into balls or ovals about the size of golf balls and chill in the refrigerator about 20 minutes.
• In a bowl, add the beaten eggs. In another bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, and cornstarch. Dip croquettas first in egg to coat, then roll in the flour mixture. Meanwhile, place oil in a Dutch oven (the oil should be at least 4 inches deep) and heat to 375 degrees F. In batches, fry croquettas until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the croquettas, drain on paper towels, and season with salt.
• While the croquettas are frying, for the dipping sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, miso paste and chives. Serve the croquettas with the sauce on the side.

CUBAN POTATO CROQUETTES WITH BEEF PICADILLO (PAPAS RELLENAS DE P

Steps:

• First prepare the picadillo. In a large bowl using your hands mix beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, olives, raisins, capers, tomato paste, oregano, cumin, allspice and some pepper. Cover with plastic and leave at room temperature for 1/2 hour for the flavours to mix.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the meat mixture with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Cook, while breaking up the meat frequently. If the meat starts to brown lower the heat, and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes. The picadillo should be juicy, but not soupy.
• Boil the potatoes until very tender. Drain and let cool slightly. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, peel them and rice them into a large bowl. Cool completely.
• Add the egg,flour and parsley and mix well (hands preferred!). Season with salt and pepper. Put the mixture on a slightly floured board and knead until smooth dough. Divide into 12 even portions.
• Shape each portion into a ball, and flatten on the palm of your hand. Each ball should be about 4 inches.
• Put a tablespoon of picadillo in the center of the ball and pinch edges together to seal. Smooth the packet into a round ball, and seal any cracks. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs to coat.
• Fry the balls in the olive oil until deep brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on a cooling rack.
• Serve immediately, or keep warm in a 250°F oven for up to 20 minutes.