Croquettes Recipe With Bhetki Fish
An Indian-Inspired Fish Appetizer
Croquettes Recipe With Bhetki Fish are delightful bites, featuring spiced mashed potatoes wrapped around succulent Bhetki fish stuffing, then deep-fried to a crisp, golden perfection. A perfect combination of textures, these croquettes are a heavenly choice as an appetizer or a snack. The Bhetki fish stuffing offers a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a well-rounded dish. These croquettes are best enjoyed with a side of tangy tomato ketchup, a zesty Peanut Chilli Dipping Sauce, or the creamy Tzatziki dip. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream or a rich Coffee for an indulgent evening snack.
Ingredients
For the Fish Stuffing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhetki fish (or sea bass steaks) | 5 pieces |
| Onion (quarter for cooking) | 1 whole |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| 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 piece |
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Potato Cases
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 3 medium, boiled and mashed |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
For Assembling & Frying
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Egg | 1, whipped |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 tbsp |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 1 cup (or more as needed) |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Stuffing
- In a mixing bowl, add the Bhetki fish steaks, quartered onion, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, crushed cardamom, cinnamon stick, salt, and approximately 1 cup of water to a pressure cooker.
- Cook over high heat until you hear one whistle. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
- Once the pressure is released, carefully debone the fish steaks and discard any bones. Use a wooden masher or ladle to mash the fish thoroughly.
- Set the mashed fish aside until ready to assemble.
Step 2: Cook the Fish Stuffing
- In a pan, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they are golden brown, almost caramelized.
- Add the chopped green chilies and cook for an additional minute or two.
- Stir in the mashed fish, tomato ketchup, salt, and sugar (optional). Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes, or until everything is well combined and the flavors meld together.
- Once cooked, set aside and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for easier handling.
Step 3: Prepare the Potato Cases
- While the fish mixture is cooling, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil and mash the potatoes, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the black pepper powder and salt to the mashed potatoes, and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Croquettes
- Once the fish stuffing has cooled, divide it into 10 equal portions and form them into oval-shaped roundels or small logs.
- Take a portion of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it into your palm. Place the fish filling in the center and carefully mold the potato around the fish to form a croquette.
- Repeat this process until all the croquettes are formed.
Step 5: Coat the Croquettes
- In a small bowl, beat the whole egg. In a separate shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and bread crumbs.
- Dip each croquette first into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat them generously with the bread crumbs.
Step 6: Fry the Croquettes
- Heat enough oil for deep frying in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully drop the croquettes into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the croquettes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your hot, crispy croquettes with a side of tomato ketchup, Peanut Chilli Dipping Sauce, or Tzatziki for dipping. They are perfect for a weekend party appetizer or an evening snack.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful combination of Bhetki fish and spiced mashed potatoes in this crispy croquette, making it a delightful dish for any occasion!
