Indulge in the savory delight of Belgian Gray Shrimp Croquettes, known locally as Garnaalkroketten, a beloved classic in Belgian cuisine. These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside croquettes are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Belgium, showcasing the country's love for seafood and expert craftsmanship in creating gastronomic delights.

Originating from the coastal regions of Belgium, where fresh gray shrimp are plentiful, this recipe has stood the test of time, earning its place as a staple dish in both home kitchens and fine dining establishments across the country. With a delicate balance of flavors and textures, each bite offers a symphony of seafood essence, creamy béchamel sauce, and a golden breadcrumb crust.

Whether served as an elegant appetizer, a satisfying snack, or as part of a sumptuous seafood feast, Belgian Gray Shrimp Croquettes are sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to the picturesque shores of Belgium with every mouthful. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to savor the irresistible charm of Garnaalkroketten!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 250g gray shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 50g butter
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 300ml whole milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Lemon zest (optional)

For breading:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 50g all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

Prepare the filling:

1- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly to make a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes until it turns golden but not browned.

2- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth, resembling a thick béchamel sauce.

3- Add the gray shrimp to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through. Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and lemon zest (if using). Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Shape the croquettes:Once the filling has cooled, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into croquettes, forming them into small logs or oval shapes. Place the shaped croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Prepare the breading station:

1- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

2- Roll each croquette first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the croquettes, ensuring they are well-coated.

Fry the croquettes:

1- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (180°C).

2- Carefully place a few croquettes at a time into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the croquettes for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

3- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried croquettes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:

1- Serve the Belgian Gray Shrimp Croquettes hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice, such as aioli, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce.

2- Enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling of these delicious croquettes as a delightful appetizer or part of a seafood-centric meal. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Gray shrimp (250g):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, gray shrimp are excellent for promoting heart health, supporting muscle growth and repair, and boosting overall immune function.

Butter (50g):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides flavor and richness to the croquettes. Butter also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, as well as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to potential health benefits such as improved metabolism and reduced risk of heart disease.

All-purpose flour (50g):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Acts as a thickening agent for the filling and helps bind the croquette mixture together. It's a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy for the body.

Whole milk (300ml):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling. Whole milk is also a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the croquettes. Parsley is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and potassium, which support overall health and immune function.

Chopped fresh chives (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhance the flavor of the croquettes with their mild onion-like taste. Chives are low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, which contribute to healthy digestion and immune function.

Salt and pepper: Negligible caloric value

benefits: Season the croquette mixture, enhancing its flavor. Salt provides sodium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, while pepper adds a subtle heat and contains antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids.

Nutmeg (pinch, optional): Negligible caloric value

benefits: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the croquettes. Nutmeg is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering benefits for digestion and brain health.

Lemon zest (optional): Negligible caloric value

benefits: Adds a hint of citrusy freshness to the croquettes. Lemon zest contains vitamin C and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may support immune health.

Eggs (2 eggs, beaten):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Breadcrumbs (100g):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 4g

Vegetable oil (for deep frying):

• Calories: 120 per tablespoon
• Fat: 14g per tablespoon

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and specific ingredients used.