Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lard
• 1 ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 cup masa harina
• 6 ounces Manchego cheese, cut into 2 1/2-inch batons
• Vegetables oil for frying
• 1/2 small head cabbage, shredded
• Chipotle Salsa, for serving (preferably in a squirt bottle)
• Crema, for serving (preferably in a squirt bottle)
• 2 limes, quartered

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Instructions

1. To make the dough: in a small skillet, heat the lard over low heat. Saute the ancho for 1 to 2 minutes, to until slightly softened. With a slotted spoon, transfer the chile to a blender and add the peppercorns, salt, and water. Blend to a smooth puree. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa with the chile puree. Knead the dough together well. To test the consistency, flatten a small ball of dough between your palms. If the edges crack, add water to the dough, a tablespoon at a time, until a test piece does not crack. Set the masa aside, covered, at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavor to develop.
2. Pull off a ball of dough about 2 inches in diameter. Push a piece of the cheese into the dough and form the dough around it into a football shaped croquette, encasing the cheese completely. Finish making the croquettes and heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 375 degrees. Fry the croquettes in the hot oil, burning them over when golden, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain briefly on a double thickness of paper towels and transfer to a warmed platter. Scatter the shredded cabbage in a thin layer over the top and squeeze a little lime juice over. Serve with the remaining limes, drizzled with a little chipotle salsa and crema.