Home

Potato Croquettes with a Melting Heart

17/11/2023

Potato croquettes with a melting heart are a delicious appetizer or side dish, crispy on the outside and surprisingly soft and stretchy on the inside. Here is the classic Italian recipe:

Ingredients

  • 500 g of potatoes (floury ones are better)
  • 100 g of mozzarella (or another stretchy cheese)
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg (optional)
  • Flour as needed for breading
  • Breadcrumbs as needed for breading
  • 2 eggs for breading
  • Oil for frying

Preparation

  1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are well cooked and soft. Once ready, drain them and peel them while still hot.

  2. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until a homogeneous puree is obtained. Let them cool down in a bowl.

  3. To the potato mixture, add the egg, grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg (if you like), salt, and pepper. Mix well until you get a uniform mixture.

  4. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and let it drain to remove any excess whey.

  5. Take some of the potato mixture and slightly flatten it in your hand, then place a cube of mozzarella in the center and close it forming a croquette. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed by the mixture.

  6. Coat each croquette first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring the breading sticks well.

  7. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and when it is hot, fry the croquettes until they become golden and crispy. Be careful not to overload the pan and turn the croquettes for an even cooking.

  8. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the hot potato croquettes as soon as they are made, to fully enjoy their crispness and melting heart.

Curiosity

Potato croquettes, also known as “crochè” in various regions of Italy, were imported from French cuisine but have undergone significant regional variations. In Naples, for example, they are a classic street food, consumed in the traditional “friggitorie”. For an even more local variation, try replacing mozzarella with spicy provolone or another typical cheese from your region.

Potato Croquettes with a Melting Heart