Fish croquettes
Fish Croquettes - A Delicacy for Any Occasion
If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, fish croquettes are the perfect choice. These crispy, flavorful snacks can be successfully served as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a main course alongside a potato salad or a side of fresh vegetables. Let's discover together how to prepare these delightful fish croquettes!
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g fish fillet (preferably hake or another white fish)
- 3 eggs
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 3 slices of bread
- 250 ml milk (or water)
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Breadcrumbs
- Lemon (for garnish and squeezing over the croquettes)
A Bit of History
Fish croquettes are a traditional recipe that has been adapted and improved over time. This dish has become popular due to its versatility; each family contributes specific ingredients, transforming a simple recipe into a personal delight. With deep roots in gastronomy, fish croquettes are often associated with festive meals but can also be enjoyed on ordinary days, bringing a touch of joy and flavor.
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Fish: Start by washing the fish fillets and removing any bones. Make sure the fish is fully thawed, and if necessary, squeeze out any excess water. Place the fillets in a bowl and set aside.
2. Chopping the Onion and Garlic: Peel the onion and garlic cloves, then finely chop them using a knife or a food processor. They will add a special flavor to the croquettes.
3. Preparing the Bread: Soak the slices of bread in milk (or water, if you prefer) for a few minutes, then squeeze them well and mash them with a fork. The bread will help bind the ingredients and provide a pleasant texture.
4. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped fish, mashed bread, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle in the cornmeal, cumin seeds, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Add two of the three eggs and mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. It’s important that the mixture is well combined but not too wet.
5. Forming the Croquettes: Using your hands, shape small croquettes from the mixture. Dip each croquette in the remaining beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust.
6. Frying: Heat oil in a frying pan or deep pot. Ensure the oil is hot enough for even frying. Fry the croquettes until they become golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
7. Draining: Once the croquettes are fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Fish croquettes pair perfectly with a slice of lemon for a burst of freshness. You can serve them alongside a green salad or a potato salad for a complete lunch. Additionally, a yogurt sauce or a remoulade could add an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of fish, such as salmon or tuna, to achieve unique flavors. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also personalize the recipe according to your preferences.
Nutritional Benefits
These fish croquettes are not only delicious but also nutritious. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the fresh ingredients contribute to a balanced diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and that you have drained any excess water before using it.
- Can I prepare the croquettes in advance? Yes, you can shape the croquettes and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to fry.
- What type of oil is best for frying? Sunflower oil or peanut oil are excellent options due to their high smoke points.
Calories
A serving of fish croquettes (4-5 pieces) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of fish and oil used. It’s a tasty and nourishing choice for any meal.
Conclusion
These fish croquettes are a versatile and tasty option suitable for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can impress family and friends with a delightful dish. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to your recipe by experimenting with spices and flavors. Bon appétit!
1. The fillets are washed, cleaned of bones, and chopped finely (they can also be drained after thawing). They are placed in a bowl and set aside. 2. The onion and garlic cloves are peeled and chopped finely (in my new handy-dandy food processor). The slices of bread are soaked in milk (I think you can also use water; as I mentioned, I followed the recipe), then they are squeezed and mashed with a fork. 3. In a large bowl, combine the fish, mashed bread, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle in cornmeal, crushed cumin, salt, pepper to taste, coriander, oregano, add two of the three eggs, and mix until it becomes a homogeneous paste. 4. From the obtained paste, form croquettes, which are dipped in the remaining beaten egg until it bubbles, then in breadcrumbs. 5. Heat oil in a pan/pot/wok/whatever and fry until golden brown. Remove to absorbent paper and let drain. Now, each person’s imagination comes into play regarding combinations. Today we had fish croquettes with risotto. The fish croquette recipe was suggested by droopina on the culinary forum. Serve the fish croquettes as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients: 500 g fish fillet (I had whiting fillets and they were about 700 grams) 3 eggs 2 cloves of garlic 1 onion 3 slices of bread 250 ml cold milk 3 tablespoons cornmeal 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon oregano salt, pepper, oil for frying, breadcrumbs lemon (for garnishing and squeezing over the croquettes)
