Croquetas De Gambas -- Prawn Croquettes (Spain) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 ounces unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk, cold
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/8 teaspoon pepper, to taste
14 ounces prawns, cooked, peeled, diced
2 teaspoons tomato paste
5 -6 tablespoons breadcrumbs, fine
2 large eggs, beaten

Preparation

In a medium saucepan melt butter, then add the flour & cook it, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.
A little at a time, add cold milk, stirring continuously until there is a thick, smooth sauce.
Add prawns & season well before stirring in the tomato paste.
Continue cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until the sauce is quite thick.
Cool the sauce COMPLETELY, 4-5 hours or overnight.
Take scant tablespoons of the mixture & form into a 'croqueta' (a cylinder not more than 2 inches long).
Roll each croqueta in breadcrumbs, then coat with beaten egg, then roll again in the breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs MUST BE DRY to ensure an even coating.
In a large, heavy-based saucepan heat the olive oil for deep-frying until temperature reaches 350 degrees F or a cube of bread turns golden brown in 20-30 seconds.
Deep-fry in batches of not more than 4 for about 5 minutes or until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon & drain on paper towels.
Serve ASAP & enjoy!