Cauliflower, Ham and Cheese Croquettes

I can provide you with the recipe for cauliflower, ham and cheese croquettes with an Italian touch. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower
• 150 g of diced cooked ham
• 100 g of grated cheese (such as Parmesan or Pecorino)
• 1 egg
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated nutmeg (optional)
• Oil for frying or, if you prefer, for baking

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the cauliflower, removing the outer leaves and stem and dividing it into florets. Wash the florets thoroughly under running water.
2. Steam the cauliflower or boil it in lightly salted water until it is tender but not falling apart. Ideally, it should be al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower well and let it cool. Then, mash it with a fork or use an immersion blender to obtain a puree that is not too fine.
4. Add the diced cooked ham, grated cheese, egg, salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg to the cauliflower puree. Mix everything together until you have a homogeneous mixture.
5. Shape the mixture into croquettes with dampened hands to prevent sticking.
6. Coat each croquette in breadcrumbs, making sure it is well covered on all sides.
7. At this point, you can choose to fry or bake them:
   • To fry: heat plenty of oil in a pan and fry the croquettes until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
   • To bake: place the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with a little oil, and bake at 200 °C for about 20 minutes or until they are golden.

Curiosity

Croquettes are a highly versatile dish that can be adapted with different types of vegetables and cheeses. In Italian cuisine, croquettes are often served as an appetizer or a second course, accompanied by a light side dish.

I look forward to your feedback once you have prepared them. Enjoy your meal!