Potato and Broccoli Croquettes with Cherry Tomato Heart

Potato and broccoli croquettes with a cherry tomato heart are a delicious appetizer or main course that combines the sweetness of potatoes with the slight bitterness of broccoli and the acidity of cherry tomatoes. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of potatoes
• 200 g of broccoli
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 100 g of cherry tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• Breadcrumbs as needed
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

1. Cook the potatoes and broccoli: Wash the potatoes and boil them until they are soft, then peel and mash them with a potato masher to get a puree. Separately, cook the broccoli in salted water for about 5-10 minutes, then drain and chop them finely.

2. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the potato puree and chopped broccoli. Add the grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg. Blend all the ingredients well until you have a homogeneous mixture.

3. Form the croquettes: Take a small amount of mixture and flatten it slightly on the palm of your hand. Place a cherry tomato in the center and close the mixture around it, forming a croquette. Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs, covering well on all sides.

4. Fry the croquettes: Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a frying pan and once the right temperature is reached, fry the croquettes until they are golden and crispy. Fry a few at a time to prevent the oil from cooling down.

5. Drain and serve: Drain the croquettes on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

Curiosity

In Italy, it’s common to find appetizers or main dishes that involve the use of vegetables in batter or various fillings. Croquettes are an example of how the simplicity of ingredients can be transformed into something tempting and tasty, especially when it comes to dishes that are meant to be shared. These croquettes with a soft tomato heart offer a pleasant surprise when tasted, bringing a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy interior.

If you wish, we can pair a fresh and sparkling white wine to enhance the taste or, if you prefer to stay on non-alcoholic alternatives, a nice fresh tomato juice could go well with the sweetness of the potatoes and the savoriness of the broccoli.