The Royalty Of Snacks - Dutch Kroketten

The common English translation of’ kroket’ is croquette. The original Dutch ‘kroket’ is made from beef or veal, but there are many different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even a vegetarian ‘kroket’. You can eat a ‘kroket’ as a snack, but most of the time they are served on sliced white bread or hamburger buns with mustard on the side. Be aware; the ‘kroket’ can be quite hot inside.

Meat croquettes (kroketten) consist of a thick meat ragout rolled into a cylindrical form, covered in breadcrumbs, which are deep-fried. They are a much loved food in the Netherlands, for example as a lunch staple and as part of a snackbar takeaway, but almost no one makes them at home. For this post I did make them myself and was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t take that much time (most of it was waiting time) and the result was very delicious.

Instructions

1. Wash the vegetables, cut in large chunks.
2. Place in a cooking pan together with the herbs and spices, lay the meat on top.
3. Add water until just covered.
4. Bring to the boil and leave to simmer until the meat is cooked and tender (depends on the cut of meat).
5. Take the meat out, slice in cubes of 0,5 cm (discard any tough, sinewy or very fatty bits).
6. Sieve the stock and set aside 200 ml. The rest will not be used. For a stronger flavor, reduce down the stock before measuring the 200 ml.
7. Melt the butter in a saucepot.
8. Add the flour, mix well, and cook for about 1 minute.
9. Add the measured stock gradually while stirring to form a smooth and thick sauce.
10. Leave to cook on low heat for 2 minutes, then take off the heat.
11. Add the lemon juice, cream, parsley, and egg yolk, mix them through the sauce.
12. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.
13. Add the cubes of meat, mix them through.
14. Pour the sauce into a deep plate that you rinsed with water.
15. Cover with cling film and leave to cool in the fridge (takes about an hour).
16. Whisk the egg together with a little water in a deep plate. Pour the dried breadcrumbs on another plate.
17. Slice the cooled croquette mix in 4 equal parts (8 if you want mini-croquettes).
18. Place a part on top of the bread crumbs and form into a cylinder/croquette form (the breadcrumbs will prevent the mix from sticking).
19. Place the croquette in the egg mixture, cover completely.
20. Then place again on the breadcrumbs, cover completely with crumbs. Pat the croquette so that the breadcrumbs are attached well.
21. Do the same with the other three portions.
22. Heat the oil to 200C.
23. Place a croquette (or more, depending on the size of your fryer) in the fryer and bake for about 2 minutes, or until the crust is brown.
24. Serve immediately.