Brazilian recipe
Homemade ground beef croquettes (Bolinho de carne)
Whip up these succulent, crispy beef croquettes, the quintessential snack for any occasion. A traditional, straightforward recipe featuring aromatic herbs that promises a hit with every bite.
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Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or as needed for binding)
500g ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, seeded and diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, to taste
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or as needed for binding)
500g ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, seeded and diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find fresh ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs at local butchers (such as those found in Maseru's markets) or the produce section of local supermarkets. For all-purpose flour and vegetable oil, any local grocery store or 'tuck shop' will have these pantry staples readily available.
Preparation method
- Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
- Incorporate the onion, garlic, tomato (if using), cilantro or parsley, salt, and black pepper into the beef.
- Mix the seasonings thoroughly into the meat to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
- Add the egg and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the meat mixture.
- Mix again until you achieve a cohesive consistency that holds its shape.
- If the mixture remains too wet to handle, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is pliable and no longer sticks to your hands.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or slightly flattened patties, aiming for uniform sizes to ensure even frying.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pot or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture into the pan.
- The oil is at the perfect frying temperature once the piece of dough rises to the surface and begins to bubble steadily.
- Deep-fry the croquettes in batches over medium heat until they are deeply golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature, which is crucial for achieving that signature crispiness.
- Remove the fried croquettes using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
Observations
Ground beef croquettes—or 'bolinhos de carne'—are a beloved staple in Brazilian snacking culture, equally at home at lively barbecues, casual gatherings, or as an indulgent afternoon bite.
This recipe relies on high-quality ground beef, infused with fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and a generous handful of cilantro or flat-leaf parsley to deliver a bold, authentic flavor profile.
The technique is straightforward, yielding a tender, savory interior encased in a golden, crispy crust when deep-fried. They are the perfect finger food to pair with a cold drink or to serve as a crowd-pleasing starter.
With clear instructions and a handful of pantry essentials, you can effortlessly master these homemade snacks in your own kitchen.
This recipe relies on high-quality ground beef, infused with fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and a generous handful of cilantro or flat-leaf parsley to deliver a bold, authentic flavor profile.
The technique is straightforward, yielding a tender, savory interior encased in a golden, crispy crust when deep-fried. They are the perfect finger food to pair with a cold drink or to serve as a crowd-pleasing starter.
With clear instructions and a handful of pantry essentials, you can effortlessly master these homemade snacks in your own kitchen.
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