Jakarta Globe, Petty Elliott, May 10, 2014
Dutch influenced croquettes are ubiquitous in Indonesian culinary culture an can be served in a variety of contexts and occasions. (JG Photo/Petty Elliott) |
Croquettes
— locally known as kroket — are a well-known snack that can be found at any
traditional market. A culinary influence left by the Dutch, they are simply
rolls of mashed potatoes mixed with a smidgen of minced beef and fried with
bread crumbs.
The classic
Dutch croquette has a nice crunchy texture on the outside and a soft, creamy
flavor on the inside. Though beef is traditionally used, the ubiquitous snack
may also contain your choice of meat (veal, chicken, seafood), onions, and
cheese in bechamel or white sauce, along with the mandatory mashed potatoes.
Croquettes
are similar to bitterballen in terms of ingredients, cooking method and flavor.
The man difference lies in their shape; bitterballen are round, while
croquettes resemble logs.
Both can be
enjoyed on any occasion, from informal get-togethers to formal parties, served
as canapes or a starter. They can even be added to a main dish. As a canape,
they can be served in smaller bite sizes, which can be prepared in advance and
kept in the freezer. But remember to remove them an hour before deep frying.
The
traditional croquette has been altered and transformed into a plethora of
contemporary varieties, such as roasted chicken with spicy tomato chutney or
chicken with sate sauce.
Beef
croquettes with mixed salad
For this
week’s recipe I have prepared a classic beef croquette for a meal, rather than
just a snack, by serving it with a good portion of salad by using leftover
potatoes. Serves 6. Enjoy!
Ingredients
• 500gr of
leftover or freshly cooked potatoes, mashed finely; 200gr of minced beef, 3
cloves of garlic, peeled, chopped finely; 3 eggs; 1 teaspoon of freshly grated
nutmeg; 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 50gr of butter; salt and black pepper to
taste; 100gr of flour; 80gr of breadcrumbs; 100gr of oats; I liter of oil for
deep frying.
• For the
mustard sauce: 1 teaspoon of mustard and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
• For the
mixed salad: small bunch of Romano leaves or any salad; 3 tomatoes, slices into
wedges; 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated; 2 pieces of medium-steamed
beetroot, chopped into squares; small bunch of basil leaves.
• For the
dressing: 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons of lime juice;
salt, black pepper to taste.
Directions:
1. For the
mustard sauce, mix it well with mayonnaise. Set aside and keep in the
refrigerator.
2. For the
dressing: simply mix all the ingredients into a bowl. Set aside.
3. For the
croquettes, mash the freshly boiled potatoes. Use a ricer if you have one or
simply use a fork. Set aside.
4. Heat a
frying pan; add a tablespoon of oil and 20gr of butter. Add garlic, cook until
slightly golden and add the minced beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes until brown.
Season with salt and black pepper, set aside to cool.
5. Lightly
beat one of the eggs, add to the mashed potatoes along with the cooked minced
beef, include the juice and melted butter, grated nutmeg. Add salt, black
pepper to taste. Mix well.
6. Place the
flour, breadcrumbs and oatmeal in different bowls. Beat the remaining two eggs
in a fourth bowl.
7.Take
small handfuls of the potato mixture and shape into 10 centimeter logs. Roll
each one in flour, dip them in eggs, then coat each in breadcrumbs. Dip them in
egg once again, then coat them with oats. Place in the fridge to chill for 30
minutes.
8. For deep
frying, fill a large saucepan with 1 liter of oil to place on medium heat. Make
sure the oil is hot and fry the croquettes in batches, turn them occasionally
until golden brown. Place the croquettes on a plate lined with paper towels.
9. To serve:
place the salad mixture into 6 different serving plates and add two pieces of
croquettes. Add a teaspoon of the mustard and mayonnaise mixture. Drizzle the
salad with dressing. Serve immediately.
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