Macher Chop (Bengali Style Fish Croquettes)
Description:
Macher Chop is a delightful Bengali snack, perfect for serving as a party starter or alongside a festive meal. These crispy, flavorful fish croquettes are a wonderful snack that can be enjoyed with chutneys or sauces. The combination of spices and the crispy coating makes them irresistible!
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Snack
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Patty:
- 500g Fish fillet
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Ginger, chopped
- 1½ tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
- 3 tsp Green Chillies, chopped
- 1½ tsp Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1 tsp Cumin powder (Jeera)
- 1 tsp Garam masala powder
- ½ cup Potato (Aloo), boiled and mashed
- 4 tbsp Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Salt to taste
- Mustard oil for cooking
For Coating & Frying:
- 2 Whole Eggs, whisked
- Salt to taste
- 200g Whole Wheat Bread crumbs
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Begin by cleaning the fish fillets. Smear the fish with 1 tsp turmeric powder and some salt. Cook the fish either in a microwave for 4-5 minutes (or longer, depending on the type of fish and microwave strength) or by boiling it in a pan with a little water. Let the fish cool down.
- If using fish with bones, discard the skin and bones, then mash the fish pieces.
- Heat a small amount of mustard oil in a pan. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add the grated ginger, chopped ginger, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to blend.
- Add the mashed fish to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the mashed potatoes, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add turmeric powder, roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala powder. Stir to combine. Add the chopped coriander leaves and green chillies, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture cool.
- Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into patties or any shape of your choice. Traditionally, they are shaped into elongated patties.
- Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and a little water. Place the breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Roll the patties in the breadcrumbs and set aside for 10 minutes. Dip each patty into the egg wash and then coat them again with breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the patties.
- Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Gently slide 3-4 patties at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your Macher Chop with sliced onions, homemade Dijon mustard sauce, or a tangy Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (green chutney), and enjoy with a cup of Masala Chai!
Perfect for your weekend snack cravings, this Bengali-style fish croquette recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the rich flavors and crispy texture with every bite!
