Fried Sweetbreads, Croquettes, Liver, Etc. (Fritto Misto alia Romana)

Ingredients

• 0.5 pound Sweetbreads (Veal or lamb sweetbreads, trimmed)
• 6 small Chicken Croquettes (Pre-made or homemade (see instructions))
• 6 small Veal Croquettes (Pre-made or homemade (see instructions))
• 2 Eggs (Hard-boiled, peeled, and halved)
• 0.25 pound Calf's Liver (Thinly sliced)
• 0.25 pound Pumpkin (Peeled, seeded, and cut into small pieces)
• 0.5 cup All-purpose Flour (For dredging)
• 2 Eggs (Beaten, for coating)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned, for coating)
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (For frying)
• 1 Lemon (Cut into wedges, for serving)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (To taste)

Instructions

1. 1Soak the sweetbreads in cold water for at least 30 minutes, changing the water several times. This helps to remove impurities. Place the sweetbreads in a saucepan, cover with fresh cold water, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Once cooled, remove any membranes or tubes. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2If using pre-made croquettes, skip this step. To make croquettes, combine cooked chicken or veal with mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. Form into small, cylindrical shapes. Chill for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
3. 3Cut the calf's liver into thin slices. Cut the pumpkin into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve the hard-boiled eggs.
4. 4Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
5. 5Dredge each ingredient (sweetbreads, croquettes, liver, pumpkin, and eggs) in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
6. 6Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry each ingredient separately until golden brown and cooked through. This will take approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the fried items with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. 7Arrange the fried sweetbreads, croquettes, liver, pumpkin, and eggs on a platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.