Shrimp Fritters

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1 pound medium shrimp—shelled, deveined and very coarsely chopped
2. 3 slices of firm white sandwich bread, crusts removed and bread cut into 1/4-inch dice
3. 1 medium onion, minced
4. 1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
5. 4 jalapeños, seeded and minced
6. 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
7. 1 large egg, beaten
8. 1 teaspoon turmeric
9. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
10. 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
11. 1 teaspoon salt
12. 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
13. 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the diced bread, onion, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, egg, turmeric, cumin, lemon juice and salt. Shape the shrimp mixture into 20 balls, using 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each. Transfer to a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
2. Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll the shrimp balls in the bread crumbs, patting to adhere. Shake off any excess crumbs. In a large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Fry the shrimp fritters without crowding the skillet over moderately high heat until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Drain the shrimp fritters on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining shrimp fritters. When all of the fritters have been fried, arrange them on a baking sheet well apart and bake for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through.