Potato Croquettes

Potato croquettes are a very popular Italian appetizer, crispy outside and soft inside, perfect also as a side dish or for an aperitif. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 600 g of potatoes
• 80 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)
• 100 g of mozzarella (or other melting cheese), cut into cubes
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Flour to taste
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the potatoes in slightly salted water until they are soft. Drain them, peel them and mash them in a potato masher to get a smooth puree.
2. In a bowl, mix the potato puree with egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg (if using).
3. Let the mixture cool down until it can be handled with hands.
4. Take a portion of potato dough and flatten it in your hand, place a cube of mozzarella in the center and close the dough around the cheese, forming an oval or round croquette.
5. Dredge each croquette first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, making sure it is well coated.
6. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and fry the croquettes until they are golden brown on all sides.
7. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve them hot.

Did you know?

Potato croquettes are thought to derive from French cuisine, but have been adopted and adapted into many regional variants in Italy. Depending on the region, you might find croquettes with cooked ham, herbs, or different spices added to the basic dough.

And don’t forget that you can always customize the croquettes with your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your meal!