Created by ForeverMama on October 10, 2017
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice with the saffron threads (or smoked paprika) and the garlic. Whisk and let sit for a few minutes until the saffron has “bloomed” and bled into the lemon.
Step 2: Add the mayonnaise and olive oil, whisk to combine, season with salt and pepper and taste; add a pinch of sugar if needed.
Step 3: In a large skillet heat 2–3 tablespoons olive oil and add the onion and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and the pinch of sugar and cook slowly over low heat until soft and caramelized, about 20–30 minutes. Remove from the pan and chop the onions finely.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions, garlic powder (or fresh garlic) turkey, mashed potatoes, poultry seasoning, 2 beaten eggs, parsley, scallions, and thyme leaves. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. If the mix is too wet, add a sprinkle of flour and mix again to incorporate.
Step 5: Set up a breading station: 1 dish for the flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), 1 dish for the remaining egg, beaten, and 1 dish for the breadcrumbs and Parmigiano Reggiano. Have a parchment-lined baking sheet nearby to collect the croquettes as they’re made.
Step 6: Using wet hands, make small football-shaped dumplings from the turkey-mash mixture and roll each 1 first in flour, then in egg, then in cheesy breadcrumbs. Place them 1 by 1 on the baking sheet, and when all the turkey-mash mix is used up, refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up a bit.
Step 7: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200°F and heat 1/2 cup neutral oil in a shallow skillet (grapeseed oil preferred for its high smoke point).
Step 8: When the oil is hot, test it by tossing a bit of breadcrumb in; when it sizzles, the oil is ready—gently fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, rolling them over as they crisp on all sides.
Step 9: Remove to the parchment-lined baking sheet when cooked and set them in the oven until all the croquettes are done to keep them hot.
Step 10: Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon, the saffron aïoli and some hot sauce, if you like.