CHEESE CROQUETTES

Croquette is an oval / cylinder shaped deep fried starter which has has a unique creamy texture in the filling because of the main ingredient - white sauce. The name 'croquette' came from the French word, 'croquer',  which means "to crunch". I had uploaded my Egg croquettes recipe earlier, which is a hit in my family.

How to make the perfect Egg croquettes?

Cooking time : 30min
Serves : 4 

Ingredients :

Mozzarella cheese : 1/2cup++ , Shredded

Parsley : 1tbsp Chopped

Green chillies : 2 Chopped

Onion : 1 Chopped

bread crumbs : 1/2Cup to 3/4Cup

White Sauce :

Maida(Flour) : 2 1/2 tbsp

Butter : 2tbsp

Milk : 1Cup

Salt & Pepper to taste

Coating :

1 Egg beaten

3/4 Cup Dry bread crumbs
(If you are a vegetarian, mix 2tbsp of maida with 4tbsp of water and make a batter to substitute the egg coating)

Method :

1. Heat butter in a sauce pan and add Onion. When it turns to translucent add flour. Stir continuously (medium heat) until flour turns light brown.

2. Remove from heat and gradually add milk (2 to 3 tbsp in the beginning and mix well, then add the remaining), stirring continuously so as not to form lumps.

3. Put the sauce pan back on fire and cook till the white sauce turns thick and starts leaving the sides of the pan. Add salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Add to the white sauce, Mozzarella cheese, parsley, onion, chillies and 1/2Cup bread crumbs. Mix well and cool the mixture.  Now  refrigerate the mixture for a 30 minutes.

5. Shape the mixture into 14 croquettes. (oblong rolls with flat sides).Dip each croquettes in beaten egg and coat well with bread crumbs. Deep fry the croquettes on high heat till golden brown.

6. Serve hot with homemade Mayonnaise / Ketchup.

Tips for making the perfect crusted starter :

Use the smallest shallow vessel to the save the amount of oil you use while deep frying. Let the oil become hot and add 2 to 3 cutlets / croquettes at a time. If you are adding more, the edges will touch each other and it will become a mess. I use my 'Appachatti' / 'smallest kadai'  fry my croquettes / cutlets. Make sure the oil is really hot before adding your cutlet / croquette, else it will absorb oil. Only when one side is browned, turn to the other side, otherwise cutlet / croquette will break.

Enjoy!!!
Lena