Goa brings up delicious memories of ripe mangoes, spicy chicken xacuti curry, and mouth-melting beef croquettes.
Every time we went to Goa, India, for summer vacations, I used to beg my father to take me to Simonia’s Bakery in Mapusa.
This 50+ year old bakery, was started by Joao Cardozo and his mother Simonia Ritinha Cardozo. Uncle Joao was in school with my father. I grew up knowing the bakery by its original name St. Francis Bakery after the patron Saint of Goa, Saint Francis Xavier.
The minute we landed in Goa for our May holidays, it was our family tradition to head out to Simonia’s for their baked goodies and savory deliciousness.
The bakery is till date renowned for traditional Goan sweets like Bebinca, Dodol, Doce de Grao, Cocado, Pinagre, Bol, Doce Baji, Batica, Bolognas, etc. as well as cakes and biscuits. BUT I loved their flaky meat pattices and my absolute favorites: BEEF CROQUETTES. Cheryllyne, the child, could eat a dozen in one go. Cheryllyne, the adult, could possibly eat…well let’s not go there.
I have not been to Goa in nearly 17 years. To honor my father, I made these croquettes for the family. They were a hit with the kids.
Here’s my humble attempt at recreating this simple recipe. If you’re ever in Goa, please visit Simonia’s.
INGREDIENTS
• Kheema / Ground spiced beef
• Egg
• Finely chopped cilantro
• Finely chopped 1 green chili
• 1 potato boiled + mashed completely
• Corn flour/ Cream of wheat
• Oil
LET’S START COOKING!
- Cook the Kheema / spiced ground beef according to recipe.
- Grind it to paste in a food processor.
- Put the spiced beef paste in a bowl, and add in 1 egg, the mashed potato, corn flour/cream of wheat, chopped cilantro and green chili.
- Hand mix all the ingredients well to form a thick dry batter and make little balls out of them.
Roll the balls lengthwise to form oblong shapes.
Roll them in cream of wheat and keep in the refrigerator. - Heat oil in a pan and gently fry the croquettes.
- Serve with ketchup or Worcestershire sauce, or simply eat them plain.
Tip: You can always substitute beef for lamb or chicken.
