Portuguese Shrimp Turnovers

Rissois is one snack we must have when we go to Goa. It is served at every occasion and is a mandatory snack at almost all parties and functions. Crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, it is an instant favorite. The traditional filling is shrimp but feel free to make with chicken, minced beef, fish or a vegetarian filling using the filling recipe as a base.

Ingredients

• Filling:
• ½ cup cooked shrimps, chopped
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 2 green chillies (deseeded), chopped fine
• 1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves, chopped (Optional)
• ½ tsp. white pepper powder (if not use regular)
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 level tbs. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 tbsp. grated cheese (optional)

Method

1. Clean, devein and cook shrimps in boiling water for 3 minutes.  D
2. Drain, cool and chop into pieces. 
3. Heat the butter in a saucepan, add onion and fry till translucent, add green chillies and saute for a minute, add the milk, pepper, nutmeg and salt and heat through. 
4. Prepare a slurry with the water and cornstarch and as the milk begins to boil, add the slurry all at once and mix thoroughly. 
5. Cook on low flame till thick and glossy. 
6. Add the cooked shrimp & heat through for a minute. 
7. Switch off the flame. 
8. Add the grated cheese and mix well.
9. Leave aside to cool.

Pastry dough:

• 1 cup water or milk
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. salt

Method

1. Take water in a pan, add the butter and heat till the butter melts and almost begins boiling. 
2. Add the  flour, stirring to mix well till combined and begins to leave the sides of the pan. 
3. Remove from heat.
4. Grease a work surface and tip the dough and cool slightly while kneading to smooth and pliable. 
5. Divide into portions and roll as thin as possible. 
6. Using a cutter (or any cup or cover), cut rounds
7. Place a tsp of filling in the centre, moisten the edges and fold into crescent shape pressing the edges firmly. 
8. Dip in beaten egg, roll in bread crumbs
9. And deep fry to golden brown and crisp. 
10. Remove to absorbent paper and serve hot.

P.S.: This quantity makes around 35 Rissois.  You may freeze the extra Rissois, for future use.