Sardine White Bean Cakes (Croquettes de Sardine)
Known as Croquettes de Sardines, these sardine and white bean cakes offer a delightful Breton twist on classic fish cakes. Made with salty sardines, creamy white beans and fresh herbs, they feature a perfectly smooth interior and a crispy exterior.
Enjoy them as a fun finger food with your favorite dip, paired with a refreshing summer salad, or tucked into a sandwich bun for a delicious meal.
Canned sardines are a staple food in Brittany region, that they enjoy on a weekly basis. Local sardines are plentiful on the Brittany coastline, and they arrive fresh every morning at the harbour. While some of them are sold fresh at the fishmongers, most of them are shipped off as soon as the boats arrive to the local “conserveries” (canning factories) to be tin-canned.
Many conserveries like La Belle Iloise, Connétable and Petit Navire have made a huge reputation for themselves since the late 19th century. They continue today to pack sardines in oil the traditional way (that is, by hand) and their tins are widely available in all grocery stores.
I’ve loved canned sardines since I was a kid, and they’re still a staple in my weekly meals. I often savor them just as they are, swimming in their rich oil. But there are so many delicious ways to enjoy canned sardines, and these croquettes are one of my favorites!
In taste and texture, these Croquettes de Sardine are reminiscent of the classic American fish cakes or crab cakes you may be familiar with. But the use of sardine gives them a bolder taste and a slightly richer, creamier texture too!
- 1 can of sardines, in oil [125g /4.4oz/ = 4 large sardines]
- 1 tbsp (15ml) of the canned sardine oil
- 1 can cooked, plain white beans (300g), drained
- ½ red onion, peeled and diced
- 10-12 fresh parsley sprigs, stemmed and chopped
- 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon Mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
- 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs
- Frying oil (sunflower, canola or peanut)