Polish Meat Croquettes, known as "krokiety," are a delicious and comforting dish from Poland. These savory treats are made with tender meat, sautéed onions, and garlic, all wrapped up in a crepe and fried to perfection. They are a popular choice for family meals and festive gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Polish Meat Croquettes is a great way to use leftover cooked meat. This dish offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, with a crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful filling. It’s also easy to prepare and can be served as a main dish or a snack. Plus, they are loved by both kids and adults!
How to Make Polish Meat Croquettes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 crepes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the cooked meat, salt, and pepper. Cook for another few minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for a minute. Gradually add broth and stir until thickened. Let the filling cool.
- Place some filling on a crepe, fold the crepe to enclose the filling, and repeat with the remaining crepes.
- Dip each filled crepe in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry each krokiet until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite sauce.
How to Serve Polish Meat Croquettes
Serve Polish Meat Croquettes hot, with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. They are perfect as a main course or as a delicious snack. Pair them with a fresh salad or some pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Polish Meat Croquettes
You can store leftover Polish Meat Croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply fry them again in a pan for a few minutes until heated through, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
Tips to Make Polish Meat Croquettes
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like parsley or dill to the meat filling.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko can be used as an alternative.
- Make sure the filling has cooled completely before wrapping it in crepes. This prevents the crepes from tearing.
Variation
You can customize the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms or vegetables for a vegetarian option. This way, you can create a different flavor profile while still using the same basic recipe.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen crepes for this recipe?
A1: Yes, frozen crepes work well and can save you time. Just thaw them before using.
Q2: How do I know when the krokiety are done frying?
A2: They are done when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Q3: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble and fry the krokiety.
