Spinach croquettes (vegan)

Delicious Spinach Croquettes Recipe (Vegan)

In a world full of culinary options, spinach croquettes stand out as a versatile and tasty choice, ideal for any occasion. These delights can be enjoyed as appetizers, side dishes, or even as a main course. Here’s how you can create these delicious croquettes, egg-free, using simple and natural ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 1 medium onion
- 7 slices of bread (preferably whole grain or rye)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 150 g white flour
- 300 ml sparkling mineral water
- 300 g breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)

Brief history of croquettes:
Croquettes have a rich history and have been popularized in various cultures as a way to use up food leftovers. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, each variant has its own traditions. Today, we will explore a vegetarian version, perfect for fasting days or for those looking to reduce animal product consumption.

Step by step for spinach croquettes:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. It’s important to chop it evenly for quick and uniform sautéing.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a pan, add a little olive oil and let it heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Cooking the spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed. You can chop the spinach into smaller pieces for better integration into the mixture. Add the spinach to the pan over the onion, sprinkle a little salt, and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated.

4. Preparing the base mixture: Meanwhile, take the slices of bread and soak them in water. After a few seconds, remove them and squeeze well to remove excess water. Place the bread in a food processor and add the sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste. If the mixture is too soft, add a little breadcrumbs to give it consistency.

5. Preparing the batter: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the sparkling water using a whisk to avoid lumps. Also, add a pinch of salt. The ideal consistency of the batter should be slightly thicker than that for pancakes.

6. Shaping the croquettes: Now that you have the spinach mixture and batter ready, shape the croquettes to your desired size. Dip each croquette in the batter and then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

7. Frying the croquettes: In a deep pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough, add the croquettes, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.

8. Serving: Remove the croquettes onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. You can serve them hot, alongside a yogurt or tahini sauce for extra flavor.

Helpful tips:
- Calories and nutritional benefits: These spinach croquettes are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making them a healthy choice. One serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying.
- Variations: You can experiment with various herbs, such as dill or parsley, to add flavors. You can also add vegan cheese for a more intense taste.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent option. Make sure to thaw it well and drain the water.
- How can I make the croquettes healthier? You can bake the croquettes instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush them with a little oil before baking for 20-25 minutes.

Pairing suggestions: These spinach croquettes pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a spicy tomato sauce. You can also try serving them with a glass of lemonade or herbal tea for a light and refreshing meal.

Enjoy these vegan spinach croquettes that are not only delicious but also healthy. And if you love experimenting in the kitchen, feel free to share your favorite variations with me! Bon appétit!