Cream of Wheat Croquettes

Cream of Wheat Croquettes Recipe from Moldova and Romania

Region / culture: Moldova, Romania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Wheat Croquettes are a delicious and unique dish that combines the creamy texture of cream of wheat with the crispy exterior of a croquette. These croquettes make for a perfect appetizer or side dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Cream of Wheat Croquettes have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of cream of wheat and egg creates a rich and flavorful croquette that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 cup of cream of wheat
2 cups of milk
1 egg
1 tsp of butter
1 tbsp of flour
1 tbsp of lard for frying
salt to taste

How to prepare

Boil the milk.
Once the milk is boiling, gradually add the cream of wheat, resembling a rain.
Continuously stir the mixture and allow it to boil until it reaches a soft polenta-like consistency.
Remove from heat and mix in butter and salt.
After the mixture has cooled, thoroughly incorporate the beaten egg.
Shape the mixture into croquettes, similar in size to a small sausage.
Fry the croquettes in hot oil and serve alongside sautés.

Variations

Add chopped herbs or spices to the mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, for a dairy-free option.
Add grated cheese to the mixture for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to gradually add the cream of wheat to the boiling milk to prevent clumping.

- Stir the mixture continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Allow the mixture to cool before adding the beaten egg to prevent it from curdling.

- Shape the croquettes evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Fry the croquettes in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Cream of Wheat Croquettes can be served as an appetizer or side dish alongside sautés or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the milk before adding the cream of wheat.

- Stir continuously to prevent clumping.

- Fry the croquettes in hot oil until crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cornmeal or polenta in place of cream of wheat.

- Use vegetable oil in place of lard for frying.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream of Wheat Croquettes can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cream of Wheat Croquettes on a platter with a drizzle of sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cream of Wheat Croquettes pair well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cream of Wheat Croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply fry in hot oil until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Wheat Croquettes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Wheat Croquettes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Wheat Croquettes contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Wheat Croquettes contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Wheat Croquettes are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Cream of Wheat Croquettes contain wheat, milk, and eggs.

Summary

Cream of Wheat Croquettes are a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of iron and calcium.

Summary

Cream of Wheat Croquettes are a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a creamy interior and crispy exterior, these croquettes are a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the mountains. My grandmother, who was an incredible cook, had passed down her love and passion for food to me. She always told me that the key to good cooking was not just following recipes, but also infusing them with love and creativity.

One day, as I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the back. It was a recipe for Cream of Wheat Croquettes, written in my grandmother's elegant cursive handwriting. I had never heard of such a dish before, and my curiosity was piqued. I asked my grandmother about it, and she regaled me with a story of how she had learned to make the croquettes from a dear friend many years ago.

According to my grandmother, the recipe for Cream of Wheat Croquettes had been passed down from generation to generation in her friend's family. It was a special dish that they would make on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. The croquettes were a beloved family tradition, and my grandmother's friend had been kind enough to share the recipe with her.

Eager to try my hand at making the Cream of Wheat Croquettes, I asked my grandmother to teach me how to make them. She agreed, and together we set out to gather the ingredients we needed. Cream of wheat, milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract were all we needed to create the delicate and delicious croquettes.

We began by cooking the cream of wheat in milk until it thickened into a smooth, creamy consistency. The aroma of the warm milk and vanilla filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Once the cream of wheat was ready, we added sugar and butter to sweeten and enrich the mixture, stirring it until everything was well combined.

Next, we poured the mixture into a shallow dish to cool, shaping it into small, oval croquettes. I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly rolled the croquettes in breadcrumbs, coating them evenly before frying them until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside.

The moment of truth came when we sat down to taste our creation. The Cream of Wheat Croquettes were divine – crispy on the outside, creamy and luscious on the inside, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and vanilla. I couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish.

From that day on, Cream of Wheat Croquettes became a staple in our household. My grandmother and I would make them together whenever we wanted to treat ourselves to something special. I cherished the time we spent in the kitchen, bonding over our shared love for cooking and creating new dishes.

Years passed, and I grew up, eventually leaving my small village to explore the world beyond the mountains. But no matter where I went, the memory of making Cream of Wheat Croquettes with my grandmother always stayed with me. It was a reminder of the love and passion she had instilled in me for cooking, and the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones we love.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by my own recipe box filled with memories and stories, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Cream of Wheat Croquettes. It was a moment that sparked a lifelong love affair with cooking and creating delicious dishes, a legacy that I hope to pass down to future generations.

And so, whenever I make Cream of Wheat Croquettes now, I do it with a heart full of love and gratitude for the woman who taught me everything I know about cooking – my beloved grandmother. The secret ingredient, as she always said, is love. And that is something that will always be present in every dish I create, just as it was in that first batch of Cream of Wheat Croquettes many years ago.