For Valentine’s Day, my wife got us delicious Basque food. Everything ordered was excellent, but the croquettes made my eyes roll to the back of my head. I’d had croquettes before, but these were divine. What are they, though?
Croquettes are a popular snack or appetizer that are enjoyed in many parts of the world. They are essentially deep-fried balls or cylinders of mashed potatoes, meat, fish, or vegetables, and are typically served with a dipping sauce. Here's a recipe for classic potato croquettes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
2. Add the butter, flour, and milk to the pot and mash the potatoes until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
4. Let the potato mixture cool for a few minutes, then shape it into small balls or cylinders.
5. Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the croquettes in batches and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve the croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: You can also experiment with different fillings for your croquettes, such as mashed sweet potatoes, ground beef, crab meat, or chopped vegetables. Enjoy!
