FISH CROQUETTES/ MACHHER CHOP

This is a typical bong (Bengali) preparation of fish. But I have added a few new things to give this croquettes (chop) a little twist in their taste. This serves very well as a starter. You serve this dish in any party, I assure you that in no time, you will find your serving platter empty. The ingredients required for this chop are also readily available in the market and the preparation time is also very less. I have used Beckti fish fillets to make these croquettes but in case, Beckti is unavailable, it can be substituted with any other fleshy and boneless fish like basa or even rogue.

INGREDIENTS

Bhetki (Beckti) Fish-4 fillets
Garlic paste-1tsp
Grated Ginger-1tsp
Lemon juice-2tsp
Salt-as per taste
Egg-1
Onion-1 medium size
Boiled and smashed Potato-2 medium size
Chopped Coriander leaf-1 bunch
Chaat masala-1tsp
Grated Cheese-3tsp
Bread crumbs-1 cup
Refined Oil for frying

METHOD

Marinate the fish fillet with lemon juice, salt and garlic paste and keep aside for about 2 hours.Take some refined oil in a wok, put the grated ginger and fry this till the ginger emanates a nice flavour. Now add the chopped onion and the chopped green chillies, and saute for sometime. Add the marinated fish and keep stirring till the fish becomes soft and gets mixed properly with the onion. Add the seasonings, chaat masala, grated cheese and chopped coriander. Keep aside the stuffing to bring it to room temperature. Break the egg in a small bowl, add salt to it and beat properly until fluffy.Now in a different platter mash the boiled potatoes and add salt to it. We have to be very careful while mixing salt because here in this recipe we are using salt thrice.With this mashed potato make small bowl-like shape and put the fish stuffing inside, and cover it properly to give it a long cylindrical shape. Dip the croquettes into the beaten egg and dust with bread crumbs. Deep fry them in oil and serve hot with tomato ketchup.