There’s something incredibly comforting about vegetable croquettes—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. These delightful bites are a perfect way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables transformed into golden, crunchy morsels that make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this vegetable croquettes recipe is straightforward, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for those picky eaters!
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create these scrumptious croquettes from scratch. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, equipment needed, and handy tips for achieving that perfect texture.
Ready to impress your friends and family with these crispy, delicious bites? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable croquettes recipe stands out because it balances ease, nutrition, and flavor beautifully. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making and eating these:
- Versatility: Use any veggies you have on hand—perfect for reducing food waste.
- Healthier Comfort Food: Packed with fiber and vitamins but fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy vegetable filling hidden inside crispy breading makes these a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture in advance, shape your croquettes, and freeze for quick frying later.
- Great for Entertaining: Serve as finger food at parties or as a side for a cozy dinner.
For more easy and delicious veggie-based recipes, check out our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Potatoes (boiled & mashed) | 3 medium | Yukon Gold or Russet work well |
Carrots (grated) | 1 cup | Fresh and finely grated |
Green peas (cooked) | ½ cup | Fresh or frozen, thawed |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small | Optional for extra flavor |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | |
Fresh coriander (chopped) | 2 tbsp | Adds freshness |
All-purpose flour | ½ cup | For binding |
Bread crumbs | 1 cup | For coating |
Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Black pepper (ground) | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
Red chili powder | ¼ tsp | Optional for heat |
Mixed herbs (dried) | 1 tsp | Basil, oregano, thyme blend |
Oil (for frying) | Enough to deep fry | Vegetable or canola oil |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Grater
- Knife and chopping board
- Deep frying pan or skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate or tray for shaping croquettes
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Boil the potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash them while still warm to get a smooth texture.
- Cook the peas: If using frozen peas, boil or steam them for 3-4 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until golden and fragrant. This enhances the flavor of the croquettes.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated carrots, cooked peas, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped coriander, salt, pepper, red chili powder, and mixed herbs. Add the all-purpose flour to bind the mixture well. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together easily.
- Shape the croquettes: Take small portions of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape them into small cylinders or oval patties. Place them on a tray.
- Coat the croquettes: Roll each croquette in bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating. This will give you that signature crispy crust.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan to submerge the croquettes halfway. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. To test, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the croquettes: Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the croquettes and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your vegetable croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.
Tips & Variations
“For a healthier twist, try baking the croquettes at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, instead of frying.”
Here are some handy tips to perfect your croquettes and some tasty variations to try:
- Prevent sogginess: Make sure your mashed potatoes are dry. You can mash boiled potatoes with a little salt and let them cool before mixing.
- Add cheese: For a gooey surprise, add a small cube of cheese inside each croquette before breading.
- Use different veggies: Swap peas and carrots for corn, bell peppers, or even cooked spinach for variety.
- Herbs & spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or dill, or add cumin and coriander powder for a more Indian-inspired flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For more creative ways to enjoy vegetables, explore our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 croquettes) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable croquettes are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:
- Serve with a side of tangy tomato ketchup or spicy green chutney for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad and a squeeze of lemon for a light meal.
- Use as a filling inside a sandwich or burger bun with lettuce and vegan mayo.
- Offer alongside other finger foods for a party platter.
- Accompany with a creamy yogurt dip or a cooling mint raita.
If you love dipping sauces and sides, check out our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for some sweet ideas after your savory meal.
Conclusion
Making vegetable croquettes from scratch is a rewarding and enjoyable kitchen adventure that results in crispy, flavorful snacks or sides everyone will love. The best part?
You can customize the vegetables and spices to your liking, making this recipe truly your own. These croquettes bring warmth and comfort to any table, offering a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your meals without sacrificing taste or texture.
Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or hosting a gathering, these golden bites are sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget, the leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen, making meal prep a breeze on busy days!
For more easy, tasty vegetable recipes, explore our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal and the Vegan Food Processor Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy your crispy vegetable croquettes!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Croquettes
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegetable croquettes made with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix mashed potatoes, carrot, green beans, onion, and corn in a bowl.
- Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and mixed herbs; combine well.
- Shape mixture into small oval croquettes.
- Coat each croquette with flour, then dip in water, and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g
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