Looking for a savory and satisfying snack or side dish? These Crispy Zucchini and Potato Croquettes with Ham and Cheese are a delightful combination of tender vegetables, flavorful ham, and gooey cheese, all encased in a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for a snack, party appetizer, or a comforting side dish, these croquettes are versatile and easy to make. The mix of zucchini, potatoes, and cheese ensures a creamy interior, while the breadcrumbs provide a golden, crispy exterior. You can serve these croquettes with a dipping sauce of your choice, or enjoy them as they are. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 Zucchini, grated
- 100 grams of Cheese (your choice of mozzarella, cheddar, or any melting cheese)
- 3 Eggs
- 80 grams of Flour
- 3 Potatoes, boiled and mashed
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 100 grams of Ham, diced or finely chopped
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for frying)
Steps to Make Crispy Zucchini and Potato Croquettes:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and grating the zucchini. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This helps prevent the croquettes from becoming too soggy. Set the zucchini aside.
- Boil the Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes for faster cooking. Boil them in salted water until tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain the potatoes and mash them using a potato masher or fork. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Make the Croquette Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, mashed potatoes, diced ham, and grated cheese. Crack two eggs into the bowl, and add the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix everything together until a thick, uniform dough forms. The consistency should be firm enough to shape into croquettes. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more flour to bind it together.
- Shape the Croquettes: Take a small amount of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and shape it into small balls or oval shapes using your hands. Set the croquettes aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Coating: In one shallow bowl, beat the remaining egg. In another shallow bowl, add breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette first into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the croquettes.
- Fry the Croquettes: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the croquettes in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the croquettes. Once fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the croquettes warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or a simple yogurt dip. These croquettes are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I bake these croquettes instead of frying?
Yes! To bake the croquettes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle or spray them with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I freeze these croquettes?
Absolutely! These croquettes freeze well. After shaping and breading them, place the uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, you can fry or bake them straight from the freezer, though you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely! You can substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even peas to the mix. Just make sure to adjust the consistency if the vegetables are watery by squeezing out excess liquid or adding more flour.
4. What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan work wonderfully for these croquettes. They melt beautifully and add a creamy, cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Tips on How to Make the Best Zucchini and Potato Croquettes:
- Squeeze the Zucchini Well:
Zucchini has a high water content, and if not drained properly, it can make the croquette mixture too wet. After grating the zucchini, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. - Use Cold Mashed Potatoes:
For better consistency, use cooled mashed potatoes rather than hot or warm ones. This will help the mixture hold together better when forming the croquettes. - Get Creative with Seasoning:
Oregano is a great addition to these croquettes, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices such as thyme, paprika, or parsley to give them an extra burst of flavor. - Fry in Batches:
Frying too many croquettes at once can lower the oil temperature, making the croquettes greasy rather than crispy. Fry in small batches for best results, ensuring each croquette has enough space to cook evenly.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
Leftover croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. - Freezing:
As mentioned earlier, you can freeze uncooked croquettes and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from frozen without thawing. If freezing after frying, reheat in the oven to retain their crispiness.
Conclusion:
Crispy Zucchini and Potato Croquettes with Ham and Cheese are a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into a snack or side dish that everyone will love. The combination of grated zucchini, mashed potatoes, ham, and melted cheese creates a delicious and satisfying filling, while the golden breadcrumbs give each bite a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re making these croquettes for a family meal, a party, or as a fun appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. With the option to bake or fry and a variety of dipping sauces to choose from, this versatile dish can be customized to your taste. Enjoy!