Creole Red Beans and Rice Fritters

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.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 232 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Form mixture into small, hush puppy-sized balls, pressing firmly together to hold their shape. Chill for 1 hour to overnight.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 360 to 375 degrees F (182 to 190 degrees C).

Step 5

Fry fritters in the hot oil until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.