Comforting Tuna Patties

Name: Comforting Tuna Patties
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 pouch (6.40 ounces) light tuna in water; 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, divided; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Oil for frying

My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup evaporated milk
1 pouch (6.40 ounces) light tuna in water
1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, divided
1 green onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Oil for frying

Directions

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to a small bowl; cool.
Stir in tuna, 1/3 cup bread crumbs, green onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes.
Place remaining 1/2 cup bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Drop 1/3 cup tuna mixture into crumbs. Gently coat and shape into a 1/2-in.-thick patty. Repeat. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add tuna patties in batches; cook until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled tuna patties in freezer containers, separating layers with waxed paper. To use, reheat tuna patties on a baking sheet in a preheated 325° oven until heated through.