Imagine the sizzle of golden croquettes hitting a hot pan, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma that’s reminiscent of those bustling street food markets you visited last summer. This chicken and beef concoction is like a warm hug on a plate, blending two flavors into a crispy delight that somehow feels both indulgent and comforting. The first bite transports you to a place where time slows down, and all that matters is the crunch—oh, the glorious crunch!
Steps
- Soak the crustless bread slices in milk for a few minutes in a shallow bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ground beef, diced onion, melted butter, egg yolks, dill, salt, and pepper. Add the soaked bread and any remaining milk, then mix thoroughly.
- Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the egg whites into the meat mixture until everything is well integrated.
- Prepare a bowl of cold water to keep your hands moist while shaping the patties. Set up another bowl with beaten eggs and a third bowl with Italian bread crumbs.
- Shape the meat mixture into oval patties with moist hands. Dip each patty in the beaten egg, let the excess drip off, then coat with bread crumbs. Arrange the patties on a cutting board until all are ready to cook.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Cook the patties in batches, roughly six at a time, for about 5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally. Ensure they are cooked through by checking that the juices run clear or by cutting one open.
Ingredients
- 3 slices of whole wheat bread, crusts removed
- 1/3 cup of whole milk
- 1 pound of ground chicken
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup of finely diced onion (from 1 small onion)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, separated into yolks and whites
- 2 tablespoons of fresh or frozen dill, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten with a fork
- 1 cup of dry Italian bread crumbs
- Light olive oil and unsalted butter for sautéing (in equal parts)
FAQ
- What are Pozharsky Kotleti?
- Pozharsky Kotleti are Russian croquettes made of chicken and beef, known for being juicy and flavorful. They are inspired by a historical recipe that reportedly originated when a tavern hostess creatively served chicken croquettes to Emperor Alexander I.
- What ingredients are needed for Chicken and Beef Croquettes?
- The key ingredients include ground chicken, lean ground beef, whole wheat bread soaked in milk, finely diced onion, unsalted butter, eggs, fresh or frozen dill, salt, and black pepper. For breading, beaten eggs and Italian bread crumbs are used.
- How do you ensure the patties cook evenly?
- Form the patties into equal-sized ovals, dipping them in beaten egg and bread crumbs before cooking. Cook them in a skillet over medium/low heat, flipping several times, until the juices run clear or the inside is fully cooked when checked.
- How can I grind my own chicken if I don’t have pre-ground meat?
- You can use a meat grinder, a food processor, or a strong blender to grind chicken breast or thighs to make your own ground chicken.
- What can I serve with Chicken and Beef Croquettes?
- These croquettes pair well with a variety of sides such as potatoes, pasta, quinoa, or buckwheat. You can also use them in sliders by placing them on a dinner roll.
Tips
- Use Cold Water for Shaping: Keep a bowl of cold water nearby to moisten your hands while forming the patties. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps in shaping uniform patties.
- Pre-Make Patties: Form all the patties before you begin sautéing. This helps in maintaining a smooth cooking process without interruptions and ensures even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the croquettes are thoroughly cooked, check for clear juices by piercing them with a knife or cut one in half to inspect the inside.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the patties in batches, about six at a time, to ensure even cooking and a nice golden crust. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
Equipment
- Meat Grinder or Food Processor – For grinding your own chicken if not using pre-ground chicken.
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment – Useful for mixing the meat and other ingredients.
- Flat Ice Cream Scoop – For forming evenly sized patties.
- Large Heavy Skillet – To sauté the patties.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
