Crocchè, or potato croquettes, are a delicious Italian snack that is loved by people of all ages. Made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and a crispy coating, they are perfect as an appetizer or even as a side dish. If you've always wanted to try making crocchè at home but didn't know where to start, you're in luck! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making the perfect potato croquettes.
What You'll Need
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Boiling the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into small chunks. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, place the potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, usually around 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Mashing the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth and free of lumps. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Step 3: Adding Flavor
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and one beaten egg to the mashed potatoes. Stir everything together until well combined. This will give your crocchè a delicious cheesy and herby flavor.
Step 4: Shaping the Crocchè
Now it's time to shape the potato mixture into croquettes. Take a small handful of the potato mixture and form it into a small cylinder shape. Repeat this process until you have used all the potato mixture.
Step 5: Coating the Crocchè
In a shallow dish, beat the remaining egg. In a separate dish, spread out the breadcrumbs. Take each croquette and dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Then, roll the croquette in the breadcrumbs until it is evenly coated. Repeat this process for all the croquettes.
Step 6: Frying the Crocchè
Fill a large skillet with vegetable oil until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated crocchè to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Fry the croquettes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Serving the Crocchè
Once the crocchè are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the croquettes while they are still warm for the best taste and texture. They are perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce or garlic aioli. Enjoy!
Now that you have the complete step-by-step guide to making the perfect potato croquettes, you can impress your friends and family with this tasty snack. Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade crocchè!