CRISPY CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE CROQUETTES (CROQUETES DE ROSTIT)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F
• In a small roasting pan, toss the chicken thighs with the onion, leek, carrot and garlic.
• Add the olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the Madras curry powder and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast, turning once, until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 35 minutes; let cool.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of curry powder over moderately high heat.
• Remove from the heat and let cool.
• In a food processor, pulse the chicken with the roasted vegetables until a puree forms.
• Season the puree generously with salt and pepper.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet.
• Add the 3/4 cup of flour (making a roux) and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.
• Stir in the chicken puree.
• Gradually add the milk, little by little at first and whisking constantly until it has all been added.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is no longer sticky, about 15 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
• In a large saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F
• On a lightly floured work surface, roll the croquette mixture into 3/4-inch-thick ropes.
• Cut the ropes into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• Spread the bread crumbs in another shallow bowl.
• Dip the croquettes in the egg, then coat all over with the bread crumbs.
• Add the croquettes to the hot oil in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan, and fry until golden brown, about 1 minute.
• Transfer the croquettes to paper towels to drain and serve piping hot.