SAEDNEWS: Meat croquettes are a popular international appetizer made with ground meat, coated in a layer of breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Croquettes come in many variations—you can make them with chicken or potatoes as well—and serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.
The variety of dishes you can prepare with ground meat is extensive. Not only can most stews be made with ground meat instead of chunks, but many modern, tasty recipes can also be created using ground meat—such as meat gratin, meat soufflé, meat croquettes, and more.
Among these, meat croquettes are a modern and easy-to-make dish. They are perfect for parties thanks to their finger-food style, adding a special touch to your dining table. They can also be prepared as a dinner dish. Croquettes can be made with either chicken or beef.
Ingredients for Ground Meat Croquettes
Ground meat: 300 g
Bread crumbs: 1 cup
All-purpose flour: 1 cup
Cooked rice: ½ cup
Onion: 1
Eggs: 3
Béchamel sauce: ½ cup
Dry bread powder: 3 tablespoons
Salt, black pepper, turmeric, and garlic powder: to taste
Instructions for Making Ground Meat Croquettes
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan, then add 1 tablespoon of flour and sauté until the raw flour smell disappears. Gradually add 1 cup of lukewarm milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Remove from heat once smooth.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ground meat with finely grated onion (squeeze out excess water). Add 1 egg, spices, salt, béchamel sauce, cooked rice, and a little dry bread powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Prepare the Coating:
Beat the remaining 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place flour and bread crumbs in separate bowls.
Shape the Croquettes:
Remove the meat mixture from the fridge. Take portions the size of a small tangerine and shape them like a spindle. Roll each croquette first in flour, then in egg, and finally in bread crumbs. Freeze for 10 minutes.
Fry the Croquettes:
Heat oil in a saucepan. Fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Tips for Special Meat & Cheese Croquettes:
Optional: Add a little mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.
Rice is added for better binding; boiled potatoes can also be used.
Mayonnaise can be used instead of béchamel sauce if preferred.
Second Method for Meat Croquettes
Ingredients:
Ground meat: 350 g
Bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, and seasoned breadcrumbs: 1 cup each
Cooked rice: ½ cup
Onion: 1
Eggs: 3
Salt, pepper, and oil: as needed
White sauce: ½ cup
Instructions:
Prepare the white sauce by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan, adding 1 tablespoon of flour, and sautéing. Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir until thickened. Let cool.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, salt, pepper, and 1 egg. Add the white sauce, cooked rice, and bread crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and place flour in another. Shape walnut-sized portions of the mixture, roll in flour, dip in egg, and fry in hot oil.
Arrange on a serving plate and serve with fresh vegetables and your favorite sauce.
