Potato Croquettes with Chorizo, Manchego and Pine Nuts
Ingredients:
- 1 large Idaho® russet potato
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large chorizo link
- 1/3 cup yellow onions, small dice
- 1 small or 1/2 large clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup Manchego cheese, small dice
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- Boil the potato in salted hot water until fork tender, approximately 30 minutes. Allow them to cool and then mash them or use a potato ricer to create a smooth puree. You should have approximately 1 cup of mashed potatoes.
- Add the evaporated milk, egg yolk, flour and salt to the potato. Combine well and set aside.
- Remove casing from the chorizo. In a medium sauté pan, render the fat from the sausage on low heat. After a few minutes turn the heat up to medium and brown the sausage while breaking it apart with a spatula. Allow the bottom of the pan to brown and then deglaze it periodically with 1-2 tablespoons of water. When the pan sizzles, use the spatula to scrape up the brown bits and incorporate them with the chorizo; the water will cook away. Continue to break apart the chorizo so you have very small pieces. Once the sausage bits are brown and crunchy (15-20 minutes), remove from the pan and allow excess fat to drain on a paper towel. Measure out 1/2 cup of chorizo and set aside.
- In the same sauté pan, sweat the onions and garlic on medium-low heat. If there's no leftover fat from the chorizo, add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Sauté for a few minutes and then turn off the heat when the onions and garlic are just starting to brown. Set aside.
- Toast the pine nuts in a 350 degree F oven until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
- Heat up the vegetable oil to 360 degrees F in a deep fryer or medium sauce pot.
- Place breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Combine the potato mixture, chorizo, pine nuts and Manchego cheese. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and use your hands to form a ball. Roll it around in the breadcrumbs and set aside. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
- Fry the croquettes until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.