Introduction
Fricassee cakes are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. They bring together familiar ingredients in an unexpected form, making them a conversation starter at any table. In this article, we’ll dive into three distinct fricassee cake recipes: the classic chicken fricassee cake, a seafood fricassee cake, and a vegetarian fricassee cake. Each recipe is crafted to be straightforward, engaging, and packed with flavor.
1. Classic Chicken Fricassee Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, then remove it from heat and cool.
- Assemble the Cakes:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled chicken mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small, round cakes, about the size of a hockey puck.
- Cook the Cakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil.
- Cook the fricassee cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniments: Serve the classic chicken fricassee cakes with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cakes for a burst of color and freshness.
- Sauce: A drizzle of lemon butter sauce can add a delightful tangy note to the rich chicken cakes.
2. Seafood Fricassee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
- 1 cup fish stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped leeks
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the leeks, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the fish stock and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Add the shrimp, crab meat, scallops, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the Cakes:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled seafood mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Gruyère cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small, round cakes, about the size of a hockey puck.
- Cook the Cakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil.
- Cook the fricassee cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniments: Pair the seafood fricassee cakes with a fresh arugula salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the cakes for an added burst of flavor.
- Sauce: A dollop of tartar sauce or a light lemon aioli can complement the seafood flavors perfectly.
3. Vegetarian Fricassee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped mushrooms (such as cremini or button)
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped zucchini
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Add the mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the Cakes:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled vegetable mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small, round cakes, about the size of a hockey puck.
- Cook the Cakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil.
- Cook the fricassee cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniments: Serve the vegetarian fricassee cakes with a quinoa salad or a side of sautéed greens.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the cakes for a refreshing touch.
- Sauce: A light yogurt dip or a roasted red pepper sauce can add a delicious contrast.
Conclusion
Exploring these three fricassee cake recipes – classic chicken, seafood, and vegetarian – provides a versatile and delightful culinary experience. Each recipe brings its own unique flavors and textures to the table, making fricassee cakes a fantastic choice for any meal.
Try these recipes and share your experiences with us! We’d love to hear your thoughts, variations, and any tips you have discovered along the way. Feel free to leave comments or questions, and let’s continue this culinary journey together. Happy cooking!
Useful Tips
General Tips: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Side Dishes and Drinks: Serve fricassee cakes with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa. Pair with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea