Here’s a recipe for Voodoo Balls—a creative dish with a spicy Cajun flair. These are seasoned rice balls filled with crawfish and Parmesan, coated in crushed voodoo chips, and fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients:
– Rice Mixture:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (cooled)
– 1/2 lb crawfish tails, cooked and chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Coating:
– 2 cups crushed voodoo chips (or any spicy, zesty kettle-cooked chips)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup milk
– For Frying:
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, crawfish, Parmesan cheese, green onions, bell peppers (if using), garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
– Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when shaped. If too dry, add a little more beaten egg or a splash of milk.
2. Shape the Balls:
– Take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should have about 12-16 balls, depending on size.
3. Coating:
– Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with crushed voodoo chips.
– Roll each rice ball in flour, shaking off excess, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the crushed voodoo chips, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Frying:
– Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Fry the coated rice balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
– Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serving:
– Serve the Voodoo Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a Cajun remoulade, spicy mayo, or a tangy aioli.
Enjoy your flavorful and crunchy Voodoo Balls!