Introduction:
Fricassee is a traditional French cooking technique used to braise poultry or meat in a rich white sauce. Today, we’re giving this classic dish a creative twist by transforming it into savory fricassee cakes – perfect for appetizers or a unique main course!
Ingredients:
- For the Fricassee:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For the Cakes:
- 2 cups cooked fricassee mixture, cooled
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Additional bread crumbs for coating
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fricassee:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Mix in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft. Stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the flour taste.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Then, incorporate the heavy cream. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove the bay leaf.
- Make the Fricassee Cakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fricassee mixture with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small patties and coat each one in additional bread crumbs.
- Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the fricassee cakes hot, accompanied by a side salad or your preferred dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- For an appetizer: Serve the cakes on a platter with a side of creamy mustard sauce or aioli for dipping.
- As a main dish: Pair with a light, fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- Variations: This recipe is versatile; you can substitute the chicken for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Make Ahead: The fricassee mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight, making the cake assembly quick and easy.
Enjoy these deliciously unique fricassee cakes, a modern take on a classic dish that’s sure to impress at your next meal or gathering!
