Corn Croquettes

Corn Croquettes Recipe - A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Corn croquettes are a delicious and crispy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. These savory treats are made with a mixture of cream style corn, crushed crackers, and seasonings, then deep fried to perfection. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a tasty snack any time of day.

History

Corn croquettes have been a popular dish in Southern cuisine for many years. They are often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients.

Ingredients

1-2 packages of salted crackers, crushed
Pour the crushed crackers into a baggie and use a rolling pin or place them in your food processor. Pulse until crushed, but not powdered. They should resemble coarse flour.
salt and pepper to taste (only if using unsalted crackers)
1 large can of cream style corn
1 can of stewed tomatoes
1 onion, chopped for the sauce
A couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil for the sauce
salt and pepper to season the sauce
vegetable oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Preheat the deep fryer.
Once the crackers are crushed, pour them into a large bowl and add the cream style corn.
Do not add any more salt as there will be plenty from the crackers.
If unsalted crackers are used, season to taste before mixing.
Mix thoroughly until a rough dough forms.
If the mixture is too moist, add more crushed crackers.
Form the mixture into small oval-shaped croquettes using either two tablespoons or your hands.
They should shape easily and stay together.
Ideally, the croquettes should be the size of a large egg.
If not using the mixture right away, you can also cover and refrigerate it for an hour or so.
This will help the croquettes firm up even more.
Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, approximately 5 to 8 minutes depending on your fryer.
If available, use the french fry setting on your fryer.
The total number of croquettes made from this recipe will depend on their size, so make as many as needed.
While the croquettes are frying, prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion with a little vegetable oil until translucent.
Add tomatoes to the saucepan and heat the mixture.
The sauce is now ready.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or bell peppers for a spicy kick.
Mix in shredded cheese for added flavor.
Use different types of crackers or breadcrumbs for the coating.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the crackers finely to ensure a smooth dough consistency.

- Season the mixture to taste before forming the croquettes.

- Refrigerating the mixture before frying can help the croquettes hold their shape better.

- Use a deep fryer or a large pot with enough oil to fully submerge the croquettes for even frying.

- Drain the croquettes on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Corn croquettes can be served with a side of ketchup, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for dipping. They also pair well with a side salad or coleslaw.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the traditional method for cooking corn croquettes, but they can also be baked in the oven for a healthier option.

- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying (around 350-375°F).

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of cream style corn, you can use fresh or frozen corn kernels.

- Substitute crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for the crackers.

- Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying instead of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

The mixture for corn croquettes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying. This can save time when preparing for a party or gathering.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the corn croquettes on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a decorative touch. Serve them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a casual and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Corn croquettes pair well with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or steak. They also go well with seafood dishes like shrimp or fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover corn croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of corn croquettes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of corn croquettes contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of corn croquettes contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of corn croquettes contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Corn croquettes are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. They also contain minerals such as iron and calcium.

Alergens

Corn croquettes may contain allergens such as wheat (from the crackers) and soy (from the vegetable oil used for frying).

Summary

Corn croquettes are a tasty snack that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may contain allergens such as wheat and soy.

Summary

Corn croquettes are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. With a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Corn Croquettes. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Martha’s house in the countryside. She was known for her delicious cooking, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As I walked into her cozy kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. Aunt Martha greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of lemonade. “I have a new recipe I want to try out today,” she said excitedly. “It’s for corn croquettes, and I think you’re going to love them.”

I watched as Aunt Martha gathered the ingredients and began mixing them together in a large mixing bowl. She explained each step to me in detail, and I listened intently, eager to learn how to make this new dish. As the croquettes sizzled in the frying pan, filling the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

After enjoying a delicious lunch of corn croquettes, Aunt Martha handed me a handwritten recipe card. “This is my secret recipe for corn croquettes,” she said with a wink. “Keep it safe and pass it on to future generations.”

From that day on, I treasured that recipe card and made it a point to practice making corn croquettes whenever I had the chance. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own special touch to it. I shared it with friends and family, who raved about how delicious they were.

As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for corn croquettes wasn’t just a dish to be enjoyed, but a piece of family history to be cherished. I remembered the moments spent in Aunt Martha’s kitchen, learning from her and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Years passed, and I continued to make corn croquettes for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I made them, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

One day, my own granddaughter asked me to teach her how to make corn croquettes. I smiled, knowing that I was passing on a piece of my own history to her. As we stood side by side in the kitchen, mixing the ingredients and shaping the croquettes, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the knowledge and memories that had been shared with me over the years.

As we sat down to enjoy the delicious corn croquettes together, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a source of joy and connection for our family for years to come. And as I watched my granddaughter savoring each bite, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that the tradition of making corn croquettes would live on through her and future generations.

In the end, I realized that the recipe for corn croquettes wasn’t just about cooking; it was about honoring the past, creating memories, and bringing loved ones together. And for that, I would always be grateful to Aunt Martha for sharing her recipe with me all those years ago.