Cheese croquettes

Delicious Cheese Croquettes Recipe: An Explosion of Flavor and Texture

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the savory world of cheese croquettes! This dish is a true feast for the taste buds, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack between meals. Cheese croquettes are a perfect example of comfort food, reminiscent of days spent around the family table. Whether you enjoy them plain or enhance them with various sauces, these croquettes will always make you come back for more.

Ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese or farmer's cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter for frying
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Sour yogurt (optional, for serving)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by choosing the right cheese. If you opt for farmer's cheese, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Cottage cheese is an excellent choice due to its creamy texture. So, in a large bowl, add the chosen cheese.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Add the eggs, sugar, semolina, and vanilla extract to the bowl with cheese. Mix all the ingredients well using a spatula or an electric mixer until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important that there are no lumps of cheese, so mix patiently.

3. Shaping the croquettes: Use a spoon to portion the mixture. With wet hands, shape each portion into croquettes or patties, making sure they are not too large so they fry evenly.

4. Heating the pan: In a non-stick frying pan, add a piece of butter and let it melt over low heat. This step is essential as it allows for even frying without absorbing too much butter.

5. Frying the croquettes: When the butter is completely melted, add the croquettes to the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd them so they have enough space to brown evenly. Fry them on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Once fried, remove the croquettes onto a paper towel to absorb excess butter. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of flavor and aroma. These croquettes can be served warm, alongside sour yogurt, which will perfectly contrast the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

Helpful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to achieve different flavors. You can also add ingredients like raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate for a sweet version.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use soy cheese or tofu?* Yes, if you want a vegetarian or vegan option, soy cheese or tofu are excellent alternatives.
- *How can I store the croquettes?* If you have leftover croquettes, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cheese croquettes (about 2-3 units) contains around 250-300 calories, being a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. They are rich in calcium, essential for bone health, and contain B vitamins, offering multiple benefits for metabolism.

Personal stories and unique notes:

I fondly remember my first cheese croquettes cooked with my grandmother. She always used fresh farmer's cheese from the market and told me how this dish was created to avoid wasting any cheese. Just like my grandmother, I recommend using fresh ingredients to take this recipe to another level.

Serving recommendations:

You can serve cheese croquettes with a compote of fresh fruits or a sour cherry jam, which will add a delicious contrast. Additionally, a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie will perfectly complement the meal.

Enjoy this simple and delicious cheese croquettes recipe and savor every bite! I look forward to hearing how they turned out for you!