In the 80s and 90s, this delightful beef croquettes with rice recipe was a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. It’s a nostalgic dish that combines savory meatballs with perfectly cooked rice, bringing back the flavors of a bygone era. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow, timeless recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Croquettes:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup water (for rice)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup water (for bread crumbs)
- 1 medium onion, chopped into 4 pieces
- 3 garlic cloves
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 whole egg
- 1 generous pinch of black pepper
- Extra bread crumbs for coating
- Oil for frying
For the Rice:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600 milliliters hot water
- 20 grams unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
Preparing the Croquettes:
1. Hydrate the Rice and Bread Crumbs:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of long grain white rice with 1 cup of water. Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, mix 1 cup of bread crumbs with 1 cup of water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a food processor, add the chopped onion and garlic cloves. Process until finely chopped.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, processed onion and garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 whole egg, a generous pinch of black pepper, and the hydrated bread crumbs. Mix well.
3. Form and Coat the Croquettes:
- Take 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat each meatball with bread crumbs.
4. Fry the Croquettes:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the croquettes from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Preparing the Rice:
1. Cook the Rice:
- •In a medium pan over medium-low heat, add the hydrated rice.
- •Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 600 milliliters of hot water. Stir well.
- •Cover the pan and let the rice cook for 5 minutes.
2. Combine Rice and Croquettes:
- •Add 20 grams of diced unsalted butter to the cooked rice.
- •Add the fried beef croquettes to the pan.
- •Stir gently and let everything cook together for another 5 to 8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the beef croquettes and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Pair this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This classic beef croquettes with rice recipe is a nostalgic trip back to the 80s and 90s, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a beloved dish in your repertoire. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste and share it with friends and family to bring back the memories of a delightful culinary past. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy cooking!
