Authentic cod croquettes

Croquettes here, croquettes over there ... It seems that everywhere we love the croquettes! And why not? If they are a beautiful invention of world cuisine. And just about that we are going to talk today, cod croquettes , a beautiful recipe that can become a very good option to accompany a beer or drinks in friends .

But they also help incorporate fish to meals because the taste is quite softened with the other ingredients. One of the most appreciated characteristics of cod croquettes is the combination of their crunchy texture on the outside and their creamy interior.

Let's see where they come and how to do the authentic homemade cod croquettes to suck your fingers. Prepare to run to eat cod .

About cod croquettes

The cod or has been a basic and valuable food in the diet of diverse coastal cultures for centuries due to its ability to be salty and dried for conservation. This technique allowed communities to have access to this fish throughout the year, even in times when fishing was not abundant.

Cod croquettes: history of a fusion

Bacalao croquettes are a delicious culinary specialty found in the gastronomic traditions of Spain and Portugal, although they can also be popular in other regions. The exact origin is not clear, since this dish has evolved over time but a historical approach can be made to understand how they could arise.

The croquettes , on the other hand, are a dish that has its origins in French cuisine. The word "croquette" comes from the French term "croquer", which means "creak." French traditional croquettes were made from a dough or puree of potatoes mixed with meat or fish, which was then empan and fry.

• The meeting of the salty cod with the technique of the croquettes could have occurred in the context of the traditional cuisine of Spain and Portugal , where cod was a common ingredient and the empanado and frying techniques were known.

It is believed that cod croquettes could have arisen as a way to take advantage of the remains of crushed cod mixing them with a dough of flour, milk and other ingredients, which allowed economic and delicious preparation.

What are the authentic cod croquettes

As for the ingredients, cod is the main ingredient of these croquettes. It is a white and firm meat fish that undergoes a salting and drying process for conservation before culinary use.

Before using cod to croquettes , it is important to remove it to eliminate excess salt. This is achieved by soaking it in water for a specific time , changing the water several times. It is also possible to remove the cod leaving it in milk for a certain period.

The dough for cod croquettes

The base of cod croquettes is usually a thick and creamy mass, known as Bechamel . This mass is made with ingredients such as wheat flour, milk and butter or oil. In the Bechamel, the denial pieces of cod and other ingredients to give flavor, such as onion, garlic and spices are incorporated.

Bacalao croquettes are fried in hot oil until they acquire a golden tone and a crunchy texture on the outside. These croquettes are delicious by themselves, but can also be served with accompaniment sauces such as Alioli, Tartara sauce or even a fresh salad.

Each region can have its own version of cod croquettes , adding local ingredients or following traditional particular preparation methods.

What you didn't know about cod croquettes

• Maritime origin : Although cod croquettes are popular, they have a humble and sea origin. The fishermen of the coastal regions were looking for a way to take advantage of the salty cod they carried in long trips in the sea, and thus arose as a solution to use the remains and leftovers of this fish.
• Lenten dish : Since cod was one of the food allowed during Lent in the Catholic tradition, cod croquettes became a popular option to consume during this religious period. Lent is the liturgical time preceding Holy Week.
• FINGER FOOD : cod croquettes are perfect to be enjoyed as an appetizer or "finger food" due to their size and shape. They are ideal for sharing in meetings or parties, and their crispy texture makes them very popular among diners.
• Variants and fillings : Although cod croquettes are classic and delicious by themselves, some recipes can incorporate other ingredients to enrich their flavor or texture. Some popular variants include the addition of peppers, spinach, potatoes or other types of fish.
• Traditional recipe : In Spain, cod croquettes are so appreciated that, in 2010, an attempt was carried out to establish a Guiness record of the world's largest cod croquette in the city of Vigo. The giant croquette was approximately 1.6 meters long and weighed 33 kilograms.
• Cultural export : Due to their popularity and flavor, cod croquettes have transcended the borders of Spain and Portugal, and have become a known and appreciated dish in other parts of the world. Many international restaurants and chefs have incorporated cod croquettes into their menus.
• Modern creative recipes : With the rise of gastronomy and creative cuisine, some chefs have taken cod croquettes at a higher level, experimenting with new ingredients, cooking techniques and presentations. This has given rise to more innovative and sophisticated variants.
• Croquettes such as street food : in some gastronomic fairs and festivals, especially in Spain, cod croquettes can be found as a popular street food option. They are very attractive to those looking for a delicious bite while walking through these events.
• Cultural adaptation : croquettes have roots in French cuisine but each culture has adapted them to their local flavors. Bacalao croquettes are a clear example. Other examples are ham croquettes , spinach croquettes , chicken croquettes , etc.

The cod croquettes are delicious by themselves or with an accompaniment sauce, such as Alioli, Tartara sauce or a simple fresh salad.

Then I leave you a classic recipe for cod croquettes, you could always give it the personalized touch you want. Then they tell me what ideas they invented.

Chau!

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Homemade cod croquettes

Yields : 20 croquettes

Preparation time : 3 hours

Ingredients

• 300 gr of crumbled and desalted cod (previously desalted following the instructions of the packaging or submerged in water for 24 hours, changing the water several times)
• 50 gr of butter
• 50 gr of flour
• 500 ml of milk
• 1 small onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• A handful of fresh parsley
• C/N nutmeg
• Salt and pepper c/n
• 2 eggs
• Grated bread c/n
• Frying oil

How to make cod croquettes

1. In a pan meter the butter over medium heat and cook the onion and chopped garlic until they are transparent. Add the crumbled cod and cook for a few minutes until it is well cooked.
2. Add the flour and remove to incorporate. Pour the milk stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until it becomes a creamy dough, add the chopped parsley and season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a large plate or tray. Cover with film paper by touching its surface to prevent a scab for forming while cooling into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Form small balls or cylinders with your hands. Prepare three dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs and the last with breadcrumbs. Pass each croquette for each dish ensuring that they are well covered.
5. Heat enough oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the croquettes until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Remove them from hot oil and place on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.