CREOLE RED BEANS AND RICE FRITTERS

Creole Red Beans and Rice Fritters image

I recently came across a recipe similar to this in a magazine and couldn't resist changing it up to suit my taste. The panko bread crumbs give these a crispy crunch on the outside but when you take a bite...the surprise inside is creamy red beans and rice. I served them up country-style for the rice cooking contest at the 2011 Texas Rice Festival and they won a 1st place medal in the adult appetizer division! Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Provided by Melissa Dommert

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Beans and Peas

Time 1h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

1 cup cooked red beans
1 cup cooked rice
¼ cup finely chopped ham
2 green onions, chopped
4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
3 large eggs, divided
½ teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning, divided
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs
vegetable oil for deep frying
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

Mix red beans, rice, ham, green onions, 4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and black pepper together in a bowl to form a tight mixture.
Form mixture into small, hush puppy-sized balls, pressing firmly together to hold their shape. Chill for 1 hour to overnight.
Whisk milk and remaining egg together in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Mix remaining bread crumbs and remaining Cajun seasoning together in a shallow dish. Roll chilled balls first in flour, coat with egg wash, and roll in bread crumb mixture.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 360 to 375 degrees F (182 to 190 degrees C).
Fry fritters in the hot oil until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 58.2 mg, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 256.5 mg, Sugar 0.9 g