Potato and zucchini croquettes

Potato and zucchini croquettes: An explosion of flavors and textures in every bite

If you want to bring a touch of good cheer to your table, potato and zucchini croquettes are the perfect appetizer! These delicious golden balls not only combine the creamy taste of potatoes with the sweetness of zucchini but also offer a crunchy texture that will delight your taste buds. Moreover, they are extremely easy to prepare, ideal for festive occasions or simply to treat yourself after a long day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Basic ingredients

- 1 medium zucchini (about 300 g)
- 2 large potatoes (about 400 g)
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (or sweet, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs for frying, about 100 g
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil or olive oil, as preferred)

For the yogurt sauce:

- 1 thick yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- A handful of fresh dill, finely chopped

Step by step: How to prepare potato and zucchini croquettes

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Boil them in a pot of salted water. Let them boil for 15 minutes until tender. In the meantime, grate the zucchini using a large grater and finely chop the onion.

2. Potato mash
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and mash them well until you achieve a smooth puree. Allow the puree to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg when added.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the potato puree with the grated zucchini, chopped onion, parmesan, garlic powder (or crushed garlic if you chose the fresh option), paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, mixing all the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Shaping the croquettes
With wet hands, shape the mixture into balls the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step will help achieve a crunchy crust when frying.

5. Frying the croquettes
Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the croquettes, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Once done, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Preparing the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the crushed garlic and chopped dill. This fresh combination will add a refreshing taste to the croquettes, balancing their rich flavors.

7. Serving
Serve the croquettes warm, alongside the yogurt sauce. You can garnish them with a few sprigs of dill for an elegant touch. These croquettes are perfect as an appetizer at parties but can also be enjoyed as a snack between meals.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Oil for frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the croquettes. If the oil is not hot enough, the croquettes will absorb too much oil and won’t fry evenly.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
- Variations: You can add herbs like basil or oregano to the croquette mixture for extra flavor.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the croquettes in advance, you can shape the balls and freeze them before frying. When ready to enjoy, fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional benefits

Potato and zucchini croquettes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The zucchini adds a rich fiber content, thus contributing to digestive health. The added parmesan provides protein and calcium, making it a healthy choice for an appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the zucchini? Yes, you can use carrots or pumpkin, which add natural sweetness to the dish.
- How can I make the croquettes healthier? You can bake the croquettes instead of frying them, brushing them with a little oil before placing them in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.
- What drinks pair well with the croquettes? A dry white wine, a fresh lemon-based cocktail, or a flavored lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this appetizer.

These potato and zucchini croquettes are not only a delicious appetizer but also a creative way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, making them more appealing for any occasion. Join family and friends at the table and enjoy every crunchy bite!