Ingredients

  • 1 cup roasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • Essence, recipe follows
  • 1 pound goat cheese
  • 4 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic plus 1 tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • Seasoned flour
  • Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 teaspoon water)
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 ounces chorizo, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup minced onions
  • 1 cup blanched split peas
  • 1/2 cup peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups veal reduction
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • In a small food processor, pulse the walnuts until finely chopped.
  • Remove from the processor and turn into a mixing bowl.
  • Stir the bread crumbs into the walnut mixture and season the mixture with Essence.
  • In another mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, 2 tablespoons shallots, 2 teaspoons garlic, and chives.
  • Mix thoroughly.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  • Form the mixture into 2-ounce cakes, about 1 1/2 inches thick.
  • Dredge the cakes in the seasoned flour.
  • Dip each cake in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off.
  • Dredge each cake in the walnut crust, coating each side completely.
  • In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  • Add the chorizo and render for about 2 minutes.
  • When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the remaining shallots, garlic, and the split peas.
  • Saute for 1 minute.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the tomatoes and veal stock.
  • Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer the mixture for 6 to 8 minutes or until the peas are tender.
  • Reseason, if necessary.
  • Stir in the thyme and parsley, right at the end.
  • In a large saute pan, heat the remaining olive oil.
  • When the oil is hot, but not smoking, pan-fry the cakes for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the cakes are crispy.
  • Remove the cakes from the oil and drain on paper-lined plate.
  • Season the cakes with Essence.
  • Spoon the sauce in the center of each plate.
  • Place two cakes in the center of the sauce.
  • Garnish with parsley.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.