Flemish Mussel Croquettes Recipe π½οΈ
Overview:
Indulge in the savory delight of Flemish Mussel Croquettes, a tantalizing Belgian specialty bursting with flavors. This recipe is perfect for those craving a taste of European culinary excellence. With a combination of fresh mussels, aromatic herbs, and a crispy coating, these croquettes are sure to impress your taste buds. Follow along for a culinary adventure that’s both easy and rewarding!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Belgian, European
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Stove Top
- Category: Mussels
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 pounds fresh mussels
- 5 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 shallots
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 celery heart
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 6 5/8 tablespoons milk
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Flour (for coating)
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil (for frying)
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mussels:
- Scrape and clean the mussels thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit or debris.
- Place the cleaned mussels in a wide, deep pan along with the dry white wine, chopped shallots, and parsley.
2. Cook the Mussels:
- Over medium heat, cook the mussels until they open up, releasing their flavorful juices.
- Once cooked, remove the mussels from the pan and allow them to cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- Shell the cooked mussels and finely chop them.
- Finely chop the onion and celery heart.
- In a separate pan, melt 30g (1 oz.) of butter and gently cook the chopped onion and celery until translucent.
4. Create the Sauce:
- Strain the reserved mussel cooking liquid and add 2 tablespoons of it to the cooked vegetables.
- Simmer until all the liquid has evaporated.
- In another pan, make a roux by melting 30g (1 oz.) of butter and adding 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Gradually add 1 dl (3.3 fl. oz.) of the mussel liquid and 2 dl (6.6 fl. oz.) of warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thick.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the chopped mussels, onion, and celery to the sauce.
- Gradually beat in 3 egg yolks and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture gently to a boil, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Shape the Croquettes:
- Pour the mixture onto a cold surface or large plate, allowing it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, shape the mixture into egg-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until very stiff.
7. Coat and Fry:
- Roll each egg-sized piece of mixture into oval patties.
- Roll the patties in flour, dip them into the beaten egg whites, and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the croquettes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the Flemish Mussel Croquettes hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 411.6
- Fat: 16.9g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 231.8mg
- Sodium: 856.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.7g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 2.2g
- Protein: 37.1g
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- You can make the croquettes ahead of time and freeze them. Simply fry them straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Serve the croquettes with a side of tangy aioli or creamy tartar sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Flemish Mussel Croquettes and delight your senses with this classic Belgian dish! Enjoy the crispy exterior giving way to a succulent and flavorful filling. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these croquettes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
