Croquettes Recipe with Bhetki Fish
A delightful dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine, this Croquettes Recipe with Bhetki Fish showcases the delicate flavor of bhetki, also known as sea bass. Combining tender fish with seasoned mashed potatoes, these croquettes are coated in a crisp breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or an evening snack, these croquettes promise to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhetki fish (or sea bass steaks) | 5 pieces |
| Onion (quartered) | 1 piece |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 pieces |
| Garlic (crushed) | 2 cloves |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 3 pieces |
| Bay leaves (tej patta) | 2 leaves |
| Cinnamon stick (dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (elaichi) | 2 pieces |
| Tomato ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon + for frying |
| Salt | To taste |
| Potatoes (boiled and mashed) | 3 pieces |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole egg (whipped) | 1 piece |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole wheat bread crumbs (or more) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 |
| Cooking | 45 |
| Total | 60 |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Course
| Course |
|---|
| Appetizer |
Cuisine
| Cuisine |
|---|
| Indian |
Dietary Preferences
| Diet |
|---|
| Non-Vegetarian |
Instructions
Preparing the Fish Filling
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To start, gather all the ingredients. In a mixing bowl, place the bhetki fish steaks, the quartered onion, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, crushed green cardamom, and the cinnamon stick. Add a generous sprinkle of salt and about a cup of water to this mixture.
-
-
Transfer the mixture to a pressure cooker. If you prefer, you can also cook the potatoes separately during this process to save time. Cook the fish mixture over high heat until you hear one whistle. Once the pressure has released naturally, carefully open the cooker and let the mixture cool.
-
Once the fish has cooled, debone the steaks carefully, and mash the fish with a wooden masher or ladle. Set this aside for later use.
Cooking the Filling
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Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become golden brown and caramelized.
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Add the chopped green chillies to the pan and sauté for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Incorporate the previously mashed fish into the mixture along with the tomato ketchup, salt, and sugar. Stir this combination well and allow it to cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. After cooking, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool until it’s lukewarm, making it easier to handle.
Assembling the Croquettes
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While the filling cools, prepare the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper over the potatoes and mix until evenly combined.
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Divide the seasoned mashed potatoes into 10 equal portions. Take one portion in your palm, make a well in the center, and place a portion of the fish filling inside this well.
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Carefully bring the edges of the mashed potato together, ensuring that the fish filling is encased within a thin layer of potato. Gently shape this into an elongated croquette. Repeat the process for the remaining portions.
Coating and Frying the Croquettes
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Prepare for coating the croquettes by setting up a breading station: keep a plate with all-purpose flour, a bowl of whipped egg, and another plate filled with bread crumbs ready.
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Roll each croquette in the flour, dip it into the whipped egg, and then coat it with bread crumbs. Once coated, place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
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In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the croquettes in the oil, frying them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Croquettes Recipe with Bhetki Fish hot as an evening snack, accompanied by your favorite dips, such as tomato ketchup, peanut chili dipping sauce, or tzatziki—a delightful Greek yogurt dip. Pair these with a steaming cup of homemade hot chocolate or coffee for a perfect treat.
Conclusion
This Croquettes Recipe with Bhetki Fish is not just a delicious snack; it embodies the warmth and flavors of Indian cooking, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family evening. The crunch of the outer layer combined with the flavorful filling will surely be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone craving more. Enjoy this culinary journey, and may each bite bring you joy and satisfaction!
