Belgium Grey shrimp croquettes are a beloved Belgian delicacy with a rich history and widespread popularity across Europe. Originating in Belgium, these croquettes feature a crispy golden-brown exterior enveloping a creamy blend of mashed potatoes, gray shrimp, and béchamel sauce. They are deep-fried to perfection, offering a savory taste and satisfying texture that delights as both an appetizer and a snack. Known for their indulgent flavor profile, these croquettes are often served with tartar sauce or aioli, enhancing their appeal with a tangy contrast. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main dish, Belgium Grey shrimp croquettes promise a delightful culinary experience, combining ease of preparation with a gourmet touch.

Here's a step-by-step method for making Belgium Grey shrimp croquettes:

Ingredients:

1- 500g potatoes

2- 250g gray shrimp, peeled

3- 1/2 onion, finely chopped

4- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

5- 50g butter

6- 50g all-purpose flour

7- 500ml milk

8- 1 egg, beaten

9- Salt and pepper, to taste

10- Breadcrumbs, for coating

11- Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1- Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in salted water until they are soft.

2- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they are softened.

3- Add the flour to the pan and stir until it forms a paste. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture turns slightly brown.

4- Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes smooth.

5- Add the gray shrimp and mashed potatoes to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.

6- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and let it cool completely.

7- Once the mixture has cooled, use your hands to form it into croquette shapes. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then coat them in breadcrumbs.

8- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan. Once the oil is hot, add the croquettes and fry until they are golden brown.

9- Remove the croquettes from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

10- Serve the Belgium Grey shrimp croquettes hot with a side of tartar sauce or aioli.

Notes:

1- To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the gray shrimp with chopped mushrooms or other vegetables.

2- Be sure to let the croquette mixture cool completely before forming the croquettes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.

3- You can also make the croquettes in advance and freeze them until you're ready to fry them.

Nutrition Value:

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

1. 500g potatoes

  - Calories: Approximately 340 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 77g

  - Protein: Around 8g

  - Fat: About 0.4g

  - Sodium: Around 20mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and B vitamins

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy, significant amounts of vitamin C for immune support, and various minerals essential for bodily functions.

2. 250g gray shrimp, peeled

  - Calories: Approximately 175 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0g

  - Protein: Around 40g

  - Fat: About 2g

  - Sodium: Around 250mg

  - Cholesterol: About 200mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Rich in selenium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Shrimp is a low-calorie source of high-quality protein, rich in selenium for antioxidant protection, and provides essential minerals for bone health and metabolism.

3. 1/2 onion, finely chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 3.5g

  - Protein: Around 0.5g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: Around 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and B vitamins (especially folate)

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions offer antioxidants, including quercetin, and provide dietary fiber for digestive health, along with vitamins that support immune function and metabolism.

4. 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 2g

  - Protein: Around 0.5g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: Around 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and B vitamins (especially B6)

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of manganese and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties, supports heart health, and may have antibacterial and antiviral effects. It also contributes vitamins and minerals to the diet.

5. 50g butter

  - Calories: Approximately 360 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0g

  - Protein: Around 0.4g

  - Fat: About 40g

  - Sodium: Around 5mg

  - Cholesterol: About 120mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin A, E, and K

  - Minerals: Provides trace amounts of calcium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Butter is a concentrated source of energy from fat, provides essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins that are necessary for various bodily functions.

6. 50g all-purpose flour

  - Calories: Approximately 180 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 38g

  - Protein: Around 5g

  - Fat: About 0.5g

  - Sodium: Around 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Flour serves as a carbohydrate source for energy and provides some protein and minerals, although it is lower in nutrients compared to whole grains.

7. 500ml milk

  - Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 12g

  - Protein: Around 16g

  - Fat: About 15g

  - Sodium: Around 200mg

  - Cholesterol: About 50mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, phosphorus, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Milk is a source of high-quality protein, calcium for bone health, and vitamins essential for metabolism and nerve function. It also provides fats that are important for energy and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

8. 1 egg, beaten

  - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.6g

  - Protein: Around 6g

  - Fat: About 5g

  - Sodium: Around 70mg

  - Cholesterol: About 185mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A, D, and B vitamins (especially B12)

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a complete protein source, rich in essential amino acids, and provide vitamins and minerals important for brain health, vision, and muscle function.

9. Salt and pepper, to taste

  - Calories: Negligible (mainly sodium from salt)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Mainly sodium from salt

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt and pepper add flavor to dishes, but should be used in moderation. Salt provides sodium, essential for fluid balance and nerve function, while pepper may have minor antioxidant properties.

10. Breadcrumbs, for coating

  - Calories: Approximately 20 kcal per tablespoon (varies by type and amount used)

  - Carbohydrates: About 4g per tablespoon

  - Protein: Around 0.5g per tablespoon

  - Fat: About 0.2g per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Around 50mg per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins

  - Minerals: Provides trace amounts of iron and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Breadcrumbs add texture and can contribute carbohydrates for energy. They are low in fat and can be enriched with vitamins and minerals depending on the type.

11. Vegetable oil, for frying

  - Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon (varies by type and amount used)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: About 14g per tablespoon

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains Vitamin E

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of vitamin K

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides concentrated calories from fat for cooking. It can contribute essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, depending on the type of oil used.

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific product variations.

Overall, Belgium Grey shrimp croquettes are a tasty and indulgent snack that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful interior, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.