Pumpkin Seed Croquettes

Oh my, yummy goodness! When I first laid eyes on this recipe, I knew I had a keeper. My oldest stepdaughter and her husband are vegans. Even tho we are in the midst of COVID-19, should they be able to make visit this summer (socially distanced), this would be an excellent meal to offer. If you are not vegan, don't dismiss this recipe in search of something meaty. This is really delicious and will appeal to many different palates. The person submitting the recipe mentions that it is the dish she makes for Thanksgiving, with vegan gravy and cranberry sauce. I think it is great any time of year!

Having a food processor is a must for this recipe. I had one in a former life, but have gotten by without one for years now.  Since a number of recipes in this cookbook require a food processor, I purchased one last week. What a difference! At the push of a button, grated carrots. Pulse, and you've got pumpkin seeds pummeled to a powder.

I thought it would be hard to find pumpkin seeds this time of year, but the local grocer carries them in July! Hurray! Add fresh carrots, delicious tamari sauce, sweet brown rice, sauteed onions, a bit of evoo for the saute, a dash of sesame oil, and a variety of herbs. Mix it all together, place on oiled cookie sheet, baste midway through bake time, and you've got yummy croquettes. Of course, the basting thing requires opening a 400 degree oven, and I did choose to cook this recipe on one of the hottest days of July. But what's a recipe worth, if it doesn't produce a little sweat?!

The picture of the croquettes plated is somewhat obscured by the Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, (which I've devoted a separate blog to, as it is such a fine gravy it needed stand-alone attention). They will be a crusty on the outside and moist on the inside. Be sure to oil the pan well before placing the croquettes.
Allow plenty of time to prepare this meal, as you've got the 40 minutes for cooking the rice, and the bake time is about 45 minutes. Plus there is the food processor prep of various foods. And don't forget the gravy, which is an absolute must so that the delicious flavors of both the croquettes and the gravy meet in your mouth at the same time.


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