Potato Croquettes

Potato Croquettes Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Australia

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potato croquettes are a delicious and crispy snack or side dish that are perfect for any occasion. These savory treats are made with mashed potatoes that are shaped into cylinders, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are a popular dish in many countries and can be enjoyed on their own or served with a dipping sauce.

History

The exact origins of potato croquettes are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in France in the 19th century. Croquettes were originally made with leftover meat or vegetables that were mixed with a thick sauce, shaped into balls or cylinders, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried. Over time, the recipe evolved to include mashed potatoes as the main ingredient, resulting in the delicious dish we know today.

Ingredients

750 g of floury potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 tbsp of cream or melted butter
3 eggs
0.25 tsp of nutmeg
plain flour, for coating
1.5 cups (150 g) of dry breadcrumbs, for coating
oil, for deep-frying

How to prepare

Steam or boil the potatoes for 10 – 15 minutes, or until they are just tender.
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pan.
Stir the potatoes over medium heat to remove any excess moisture, then mash them well.
Stir in the cream or melted butter, one egg, the nutmeg, and some salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Spread the mashed potato onto a plate using a spoon, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
Divide the potato mixture into 12 evenly sized portions and shape each one into a sausage shape about 8 cm long.
Place the flour and breadcrumbs into two separate shallow dishes.
Lightly beat the remaining eggs and pour them into a shallow bowl.
Roll the potato croquettes in the flour and shake off any excess.
Dip them in the beaten egg, then coat them evenly in the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.
Place the coated croquettes in a single layer on a tray or plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours.
Fill a deep heavy-based pan one-third full of oil and heat it to 180°C (350°F) (a cube of bread dropped in the oil will brown in 15 seconds).
Cook the croquettes in batches for 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon, drain them on paper towels, and keep them warm while cooking the remaining croquettes.

Variations

Add grated cheese or herbs to the mashed potato mixture for extra flavor.
Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of regular potatoes for a healthier twist.
Try coating the croquettes in crushed nuts or seeds for a crunchy coating.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain and mash the potatoes to remove excess moisture and create a smooth texture.

- Refrigerating the mashed potato mixture before shaping and coating the croquettes will help them hold their shape better.

- Be sure to coat the croquettes evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy and golden exterior.

- Use a deep heavy-based pan and heat the oil to the correct temperature before frying the croquettes to prevent them from becoming greasy.

Serving Suggestions

Potato croquettes can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as aioli, ketchup, or mustard.

Cooking Techniques

Steam or boil the potatoes until tender before mashing them.

- Shape the croquettes into cylinders for a traditional look.

- Refrigerate the coated croquettes before frying to help them hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or olive oil instead of butter.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

- Substitute almond flour or crushed cornflakes for breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the mashed potato mixture and shape the croquettes in advance, then refrigerate until ready to fry.

- Freeze the shaped croquettes for up to 1 month before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the potato croquettes on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. - Garnish with a drizzle of sauce or a dollop of sour cream. - Arrange the croquettes in a decorative pattern for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve potato croquettes with a green salad for a light and refreshing meal.

- Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a hearty and satisfying dish.

- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover potato croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy and heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of potato croquettes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potato croquettes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of potato croquettes contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato croquettes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Potato croquettes may contain allergens such as gluten (from breadcrumbs) and eggs.

Summary

Potato croquettes are a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals, but may contain allergens such as gluten and eggs.

Summary

Potato croquettes are a tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. With a crispy exterior and creamy interior, these savory treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Experiment with different flavors and coatings to create your own unique version of this classic recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Potato Croquettes. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own beloved grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations of our family.

One day, while helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she handed me a tattered old cookbook that belonged to her own mother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a simple yet intriguing recipe for Potato Croquettes. The ingredients were simple - mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings - but the final dish looked absolutely delicious.

My grandmother smiled as she watched me study the recipe, knowing that I had found something special. She told me that the recipe had been passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a friend who had traveled to Europe. It was a cherished family recipe, and one that I was eager to learn how to make.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set to work making the Potato Croquettes. I boiled the potatoes until they were soft, then mashed them with butter and seasonings until they were smooth and creamy. I added in some breadcrumbs for texture, along with a beaten egg to hold everything together.

As I shaped the mixture into small patties, my grandmother showed me how to coat them in breadcrumbs and fry them until they were golden brown and crispy. The smell of the croquettes cooking was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the Potato Croquettes were done, my grandmother and I sat down to enjoy them together. The crispy exterior gave way to a creamy, flavorful interior that was pure comfort food perfection. I could see why this recipe had been passed down through the generations - it was simple yet delicious, a true testament to the power of good, home-cooked food.

From that day on, Potato Croquettes became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make them for special occasions, or just as a comforting meal on a cold winter's night. I learned to make them myself, perfecting the recipe over the years and adding my own twist with different seasonings and ingredients.

I shared the recipe with my own children as they grew up, passing on the tradition of making Potato Croquettes to another generation. It became a family favorite, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the love and history that was woven into every bite.

As I think back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Potato Croquettes, I am filled with gratitude for my grandmother and the knowledge she imparted to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my family and my heritage, and this simple yet delicious dish is a perfect example of that.

So the next time you're looking for a comforting, flavorful meal to share with your loved ones, why not give Potato Croquettes a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows - maybe one day, you'll pass the recipe down to your own grandchildren, just like I did.