Savory Turkey Croquettes with Velvety Cream Sauce
This dish is a sophisticated take on a classic turkey croquette recipe passed down from my father. Perfect for utilizing leftover turkey, these croquettes are a delightful combination of seasoned minced turkey and creamy flavors, encased in a crispy breadcrumb shell. Topped with a rich cream sauce enhanced by sweet peas, this recipe not only allows you to enjoy holiday leftovers in a new way, but it also brings warmth and elegance to your dining table. Each croquette is a bite-sized burst of flavor, ideal for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3/4 cup (Melted)
Flour
1 cup (For roux)
Milk
1 cup (Warm)
Chicken broth
2 cups (Warm)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Sea salt
1 teaspoon
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Turkey, minced
4 cups (Cooked, finely minced)
Onions, grated
2 tablespoons (Fresh)
Poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
Hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon
Egg
1 (Beaten with a little water)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (For coating)
Frozen sweet peas
16 ounces (Thawed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Stir in the ground nutmeg, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice. Cook the sauce over low heat until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced turkey with 1 cup of the cooled cream sauce, grated onion, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, and hot sauce. Mix gently until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
3
While the turkey mixture chills, add the thawed frozen peas to the remaining cream sauce in the saucepan. Cover and simmer the sauce over very low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Using damp hands, scoop approximately 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture to form each croquette. Shape them into a slightly flattened oval or 'haystack' and roll each in flour to coat, then dip into the beaten egg (mixed with a splash of water), followed by rolling in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place these croquettes on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
6
Bake the croquettes on the middle rack of the oven for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
7
To serve, plate the croquettes hot, drizzled generously with the creamy pea sauce, and garnish with a dash of paprika. Aim for about 2-3 croquettes per person.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Turkey Croquettes?
They are a sophisticated dish featuring seasoned minced turkey mixed with cream sauce, breaded, and baked until crispy, then topped with a velvety pea sauce.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be a perfect way to utilize holiday leftover turkey.
What ingredients are needed for the cream sauce?
The sauce requires butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, ground nutmeg, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice.
How do I make the roux?
Melt 3/4 cup of butter over medium heat and gradually whisk in 1 cup of flour until smooth.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the croquettes need to bake?
Bake the croquettes for approximately 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Why should I chill the turkey mixture?
Chilling the mixture for about 15 minutes helps it hold together better when shaping the croquettes.
How do I shape the croquettes?
Using damp hands, scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into a slightly flattened oval or haystack form.
What is the breading process for the croquettes?
Roll each croquette in flour, dip into a beaten egg mixed with a splash of water, and then roll in breadcrumbs.
What seasonings are added to the minced turkey?
The turkey is seasoned with grated onion, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce.
How are the peas prepared for the sauce?
Thaw 16 ounces of frozen sweet peas and add them to the remaining cream sauce to simmer over low heat.
How many croquettes should be served per person?
The recipe suggests aiming for about 2 to 3 croquettes per person.
Does the recipe include hot sauce?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce is included in the turkey mixture for added depth of flavor.
What kind of broth is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of warm chicken broth.
Is the onion cooked before being added?
No, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh grated onion to be mixed directly into the turkey.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
A dash of paprika is recommended as a garnish when serving.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
While the recipe specifies turkey, the same method would work well with cooked minced chicken.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of sea salt for the sauce.
How much turkey is required?
You will need 4 cups of cooked, finely minced turkey.
What is the role of lemon juice in the sauce?
Two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are added to the sauce to enhance the flavor.
How do I prevent lumps in the cream sauce?
Whisk the milk and chicken broth in slowly and continuously into the roux to prevent lumps.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of breadcrumbs for coating the croquettes.
Do I need to spray the baking sheet?
Yes, place the croquettes on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as velvety and rich, especially with the addition of sweet peas.
What are the total number of ingredients?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is nutmeg used in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg is added to the cream sauce.
What rack should I use in the oven?
Bake the croquettes on the middle rack of the oven for even cooking.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of warm milk.
Are the peas mixed into the turkey?
No, the peas are added to the remaining cream sauce to be served as a drizzle over the croquettes.
What is the history of this recipe?
This is a sophisticated version of a classic turkey croquette recipe passed down from the creator's father.