Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 15 pieces |
| Small Shrimp | 200g |
| Cooked Chickpeas | 200g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Thyme | 4 sprigs |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 20g |
| White Bread (Crustless) | 60g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Breadcrumbs | as needed |
| Olive Oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Aromatics and Shrimp:
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and shallot and sauté for 10-15 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant.
Add the small shrimp and cook until they are fully seasoned and the cooking juices have evaporated. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. -
Blend the Mixture:
Transfer the cooled mixture into a food processor. Add the cooked chickpeas, egg, and bread (cut into small cubes). Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of water to reach a workable consistency. -
Shape the Croquettes:
Boil the large shrimp in salted water until they turn pink and are cooked through. Let them cool.
Shape the chickpea mixture into 15 small balls, then flatten each one. Place a shrimp in the center of each flattened ball and carefully mold the mixture around the shrimp, leaving the shrimp tail exposed at the top to form the croquette shape. -
Coat and Fry:
Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs.
Heat a good amount of olive oil in a pan and fry the croquettes on medium-high heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. -
Serve:
Once crispy and golden, remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve warm as an appetizer, and enjoy the delicious combination of chickpeas and shrimp in every bite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
These Chickpea and Shrimp Croquettes are a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, combining the heartiness of chickpeas with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Lightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make for an irresistible appetizer at any gathering.
