Crab and Shrimp Cakes

 

                    Homemade fish cakes are always a special treat. They are the ultimate all-in-one dish, as they contain fish, potato and vegetables. These can be made ahead and chilled, ready to bake when you need them.

Serves 4

• 500 gr potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 30 ml low-fat ricotta cheese
• 125 gr peeled shrimp, thawed if frozen
• 170 gr can white crabmeat, well drained
• 2 scallions, chopped
• Tabasco, to taste
• 125 gr spinach
• 4 large tomatoes
• 1 lemon, cut into four wedges

Breadcrumb coating

• 60 ml whole wheat flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 160 ml dried whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 5 ml dried thyme or oregano
• 30 ml olive oil, warmed

1. Cook the potatoes in a pot of boiling water for 12-15 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and return to the pot over the heat to dry out a little, then mash until smooth ; beat in the ricotta, season and set aside to cool completely.
3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towel, then chop coarsely ; mix with the crab, chopped scallions and Tabasco.
4. Put the spinach in a covered bowl with ust the rinsing water clinging to the leaves ; cook in the microwave until just wilted.
5. Cool, then sqeeze dry and chop roughly ; mix the potato with the seafood and spinach, chill for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
7. Shape the seafood mixture into four large cakes, dipping your hands in a little flour if necessary.
8. Put the flour in a shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs mixed with the dried herbs in a third.
9. Coat the fish cakes evenly first in flour, then in beaten egg and, finally, in the crumbs.
10. Halve the tomatoes and place around the fish cakes on a baking tray ; season and sprinkle with any leftover crumbs.
11. Brush the fish cakes with the warmed oil, then bake for 20 minutes until they are crisp and the tomatoes soft ; allow to stand for 3-4 minutes before serving.
12. Serve with lemon wedges.

BON APPÉTIT