Goan Beef Croquettes

Many countries have their own versions of croquettes. In India, we have our own 'Aloo tikki' and 'Kababs'. In Goa and to a lesser extent, in Kerala, lightly spiced beef croquettes are very popular among the Christians. The croquette recipe I am presenting here is the one I got from a Goan aunt in Chennai. Beef croquettes used to be a regular feature during her parties. Now, I serve them as delicious appetizers at any get-together we have at home!

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Beef - 500 gm, minced

Onions - 2, big

Ginger - 1/4'' piece

Garlic - 1 clove

Cinnamon - 1'' stick

Cloves -3

Cardamom -1

Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp

Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp

Green Chilli - 2

Kashmiri Red Chilli - 1

Salt -to taste

Bread - 2 slices

Egg - 1

Lime juice - 1-2 tsp

Breadcrumbs-a little, to roll the croquettes

Method:

1. In a cooking bowl, add mince, roughly chopped onions, turmeric powder, Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pepper powder, green chilli, red chilli, garlic and ginger. Add half a cup of water and cook on medium heat until the water bubbles. Then simmer and cook till the water evaporates and the minced meat is cooked .

2. Allow the cooked mince mix to cool. Add lime juice to it and blend to a smooth mix.

3. Transfer the mince into a bowl. Add pieces of bread, egg and mix together all the ingredients well.

4. This bowl can be sealed and kept in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. If the mince mix is cool, then it becomes easier to form the croquettes.

5. Now, remove from the refrigerator and form the croquettes into sausage shape. No need to make them large as they grow in size while frying due to the presence of egg as an ingredient.

6. Heat oil enough to shallow fry in a pan. Now, fry the croquettes on all sides till they are crisp and golden brown in colour.

7. Serve them hot with tomato sauce. They can be eaten plain as well, yummy that they are!!