3795. EGGS BENEDICT with JALAPENO BACON and SMOKED PAPRIKA HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

makes eight servings


For the Yuca Croquette

2 pounds yuca (cassava)

1 teaspoon salt

1 small onion, finely chopped

½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 sprigs cilantro, leaves only, chopped

1 cup fine bread crumbs or flour

For the Hollandaise Sauce

4 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 pinch salt

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon tabasco sauce

salt, to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Eggs Benedict

8 slices Applewood smoked bacon, halved crosswise

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

8 large eggs

Make the croquettes: Peel the yuca, cut them in half and boil with salt, until tender. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onions, green pepper, and garlic. One the vegetables are cooked through and soft, add cilantro, and stir.

Rice the yuca or pulse it in the food processor and mix it with the bread crumbs. Make a 3” ball, then flatten it like a disc about a 1/2 inch thick. Deep fry until golden.

Make the hollandaise: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, whisk the 4 egg yolks with the wine and a pinch of salt until doubled in volume and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the melted butter, whisking constantly, until a thick, creamy sauce forms, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice and Tabasco and season the hollandaise with salt and smoked paprika. Keep the hollandaise sauce warm, whisking occasionally.

Make the eggs benedict: In a skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Bring a large, deep skillet of water to a simmer over moderate heat and add the vinegar. One at a time, break the eggs into a small bowl and pour them into the simmering water, leaving plenty of space between them. Poach the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Arrange the fried yucca croquettes on plates and top with the bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.

bacon recipe source: Chef Kelvin Fernandez, The Latin Kitchen (@thelatinkitchen), 120 Broadway, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10271