Title: Arook Thayin (Chicken Croquettes Burmese Style)
Categories: Chicken Jewish Burma
Yield: 1 Servings

4		Scallions, very finely
		Chopped
2		Fresh green chilies, seeded
		And very finely chopped
1/4	c	Chopped coriander leaves
3		Chicken-breast fillets
		Weighing about 12 oz (350
		G)
3	tb	Flour
4		Eggs
		Juice of 1 1/2-inch (4-cm)
		Piece of fresh ginger
		Crushed in a garlic press,
		Or the grated piece
		Salt
		Light vegetable oil for
		Deep-frying, about 1 inch (2
1/2		Cm) deep

Serves 6

Jews from Calcutta, Cochin, Persia, and Iraq began to settle in Burma, in Southeast Asia, in the mid-nineteenth century. It was Jews of Baghdadi origin who organized the congregation, and it is their style of cooking that influenced the Jewish style that developed locally. During the Japanese occupation, almost all the community fled, many of them to India. This recipe was given to someone I know by Mrs. Philomene Jacobs of the Baghdadi community in India. These delectable fritters - soft and creamy, gingery and peppery - make splendid finger food.

Chop the scallions, chilies (half a chili is enough for me), and coriander in the food processor. Then add the chicken, flour, eggs, ginger, and salt, and process until the chicken is finely chopped and all the ingredients are well blended (I have overprocessed the chicken to a paste by mistake, and the result was also delightful). Chill, covered, for 1-2 hours. Deep-fry by the heaping tablespoon (dip the spoon in oil so that the mixture does not stick) in medium-hot oil, turning over once, until browned all over. Drain on paper towels. The recipe makes about fourteen 2 1/2-inch (6-cm) fritters and up to thirty-six tiny ones. Serve hot or cold.

VARIATION:

An Indian Baghdadi arook thayin is made with a pinch of turmeric.

Sergio Miguel Cardoso - Senior Medical Student Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal E-mail: smnmcard@mail.telepac.pt Tel/Fax: ++(3511)4573677

previous

next