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final presentation of fried tuna rissois on a plate with cilantro garnish
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5 from 2 votes

Tuna Rissois (Rissois de atum)

Rissois de atum are crescent-shaped pastries that are filled with creamy tuna filling, dipped in bread crumbs and fried until golden brown. Rissois make the perfect snack or appetizer! 
Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Course: Appetizers and sides
Cuisine: Portuguese/Cape Verdean
Servings: 24 rissois
Calories: 98kcal

Ingredients

Filling ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • ½ cup onions diced small
  • 1 tablespoon garlic crushed
  • 10 ounced canned tuna packed in oil, drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or red chili paste
  • 1 cup whole-milk
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • Pinch salt and pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped cilantro

Pastry ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil extra-virgin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 3-4 cups canola or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Filling instructions:

  • Whisk 3 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup of whole-milk in a small bowl or cup, set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic, tuna, hot sauce, dry seasonings and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the milk/flour mixture and cook for 3-5 minutes, until bubbly and thick. Make sure to stir occasionally. Cut the flame, stir in the fresh cilantro then cover the pan and set aside

Dough instructions:

  • In a 4.5 quart pot, bring 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of butter to a boil. 
  • Turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the flour little by little, while stirring quickly with a rubber spatula. As the dough forms, switch to bigger strokes and use the spatula smooth the dough as it forms. The dough will be sticky and may have lumps, this is ok!
  • Cut the flame and transfer dough to a stand-mixer bowl. Use the dough-hook attachment to knead the dough on medium speed, until a ball forms. If you're not using a mixer, you'll need to let the dough cool and knead it by hand on a well-floured surface.
  • Flour your hands and form the kneaded dough into a ball. Use a pastry cutter to divide the dough into 2 portions. Wrap one of the halves in plastic wrap and set aside.

Assembling and frying:

  • Roll out the unwrapped dough into a ¼" sheet on a well-floured surface. Don't forget to also flour the rolling pin. 
  • Uncover the tuna filling and mix with a rubber spatula. Place 2-3 scoops (1 measured teaspoon each) of filling near the center of the dough. Leave about 2-3 inches between each scoop.
  • Lift the bottom edge of the dough and fold it over the filling. The filling should touch the fold. Firmly stamp out the rissois using a small glass or cup. Leave some space between the filling and the glass's edge, don't let the filling touch the seam.
  • Seal the rissois by gently pinching the edges - there's no need to moisten them. Set the finished rissois on a plate, it's ok to place them on top of each other.
  • Once you've stamped out the rissois, form the remaining dough into a ball and roll it out again. Repeat the same process of scooping the filling onto the dough and forming the crescents until you've used up all the dough and filling. You'll end up with roughly two dozen rissois.
  • In a bowl, make an egg wash by whisking 2 eggs with 2 teaspoons of water. Pour the bread crumbs on a separate plate or shallow bowl.
  • Dip each of the rissois in egg and coat both sides with bread crumbs. Shake off any excess bread crumbs  gently. Set the rissois on a plate while you bread the rest.
  • Heat the oil to 325°F in a dutch oven or pot with deep sides. Working in batches of 4 or 5, deep-fry the rissois for about 1 minute on each side. Watch closely, as they brown quickly. 
  • Once deep-golden brown, remove the rissois from the oil using a fry basket or slotted metal spoon. Transfer to a cooling rack or tray lined with paper towels. Let the rissois cool slightly and serve.

Notes

  • A stand-mixer is highly recommended for kneading the dough since it will be hot to the touch.
  • Be generous with the flour when dusting the kneading surface. Sticky dough tears easily!
  • Press firmly when stamping out the rissois and don't overstuff them.
  • Watch the temperature of the oil closely so the breadcrumbs don't burn.
  • The assembled rissois can be frozen for a later date. No need to thaw before frying them.
  • Leftover rissois can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 piece | Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg