Appetizer
Lobster Croquetas
with Banana Lentil Salad & Horseradish Cream
INGREDIENTS
CROQUETAS
- 4 T Butter
- 2 T Onion, diced
- 3 clvs Garlic, squeezed through a garlic press
- 1 c Milk
- ¾ c Flour (All-Purpose)
- ½ t Salt
- ⅛ t Ground Black Pepper
- ½ T Cognac
- 1 lb Cooked Lobster Meat
CROQUETAS BREADING
- 1 c Flour (All-Purpose)
- 2 Egg
- 1 c Cracker Meal
- Canola Oil, for frying, amount will vary based on the equipment used to fry.
BANANA LENTIL SALAD
- 1 c Brown Lentils
- 1 c Yellow Lentils
- 3 T Olive Oil
- 1 Red Onion, 1/4" dice
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1/4" dice
- 1 T Garlic, minced
- 2 T Parsley, chopped
- 3 T Cilantro Leaves, chopped
- 3 Banana, semi-ripe, peeled and chopped
- ¼ c Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- ¼ c Sour Cream
HORSERADISH CREAM
- 2 T Prepared Horseradish
- 1 t Wasabi Powder
- ½ T Ginger Root, grated
- 2 T Heavy Cream
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE CROQUETAS
- Heat the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic over a medium high heat until translucent, about 5 minutes; set aside.
- Place the milk and flour in a blender and blend until combined; pour this mixture into the sautéed onions and add the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Simmer over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the consistency of pancake batter.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the cognac and lobster meat and mix well. Pour into a shallow pan and let cool for about 1 hour.
- Using about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture for each croqueta, shape into small finger-size sticks.
- Place each breading ingredient into a separate small bowl. Lightly beat the eggs.
- Dredge the croquetas first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the cracker meal. 6. Transfer to a plate, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze to use at a later time.
- Heat the canola oil in a deep fryer to about 375°.
- Fry the croquetas until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
FOR THE CROQUETAS BREADING
-
Place each breading ingredient into a separate small bowl. Lightly beat the eggs.
FOR THE BANANA LENTIL SALAD
- Place the lentils in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water and soak overnight.
- The next day, drain off the water, rinse the lentils and transfer to a saucepan. Add fresh water to cover by at least an inch.
- Bring the lentils to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, drain and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool.
- In a sauté pan or skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté over a medium heat until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Add the onion mixture to the cooled lentils and stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
- Let the salad chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
FOR THE HORSERADISH CREAM
- Place the horseradish cream ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Refrigerate.
FOR THE ASSEMBLY
- Place the 4 tablespoons of lentils into the center of a serving bowl and rest the croquetas against the lentils.
- Drizzle the horseradish cream over and around the croquetas and lentils.
- Garnish with sprigs of cilantro and fresh lime.
NOTES
The Lobster Croquetas has been offered on the Carioca's menu.
Created 2023-01-17 09:16:02 – Last Modified 2024-02-02 08:19:35