Best Neapolitan Potato Croquettes Recipes

POTATO CROQUETTES (LIDIA BASTIANICH)

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes well; do not peel them.
• Add enough cold water over the potatoes in a medium saucepan to cover them by 3 fingers.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat slightly to a gentle boil.
• Cook until tender when poked with a wooden skewer or the tip of a paring knife, 20-35 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
• Drain the potatoes and let them stand until cool enough to handle.
• Scrape off the skins with a knife and pass the potatoes through a ricer or force them through a coarse sieve back into an empty pot.
• Stir in the butter; et the pot over medium heat, and stir until the puree is smooth.
• Remove from heat and season with salt, white pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
• Beat one of the eggs and stir it, along with the prosciutto and parsley, into the potato mixture until all the ingredients are evenly distributed; cool to room temperature.
• Using about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture for each, form cylindrical croquettes about 2 inches long.
• Refrigerate the croquettes, uncovered, until firm, about 20 minutes.
• They can also be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day before continuing.
• Whisk the remaining two eggs well in a wide bowl.
• Spread the breadcrumbs and flour out on separate plates or sheets of waxed paper.
• Working with a few at a time, dredge the croquettes in flour to coat them lightly and tap off the excess.
• Dip the floured croquette into the egg, turning well to coat all sides evenly.
• Let the excess egg drip back into the bowl, then lay the croquettes in the bread crumbs; turn to coat all sides and ends well with the bread crumbs, pressing very gently with your hands until the crumbs adhere well to the croquettes.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy, medium skillet over medium heat to 350°.
• When the oil reaches temperature, slip half the croquettes into the oil.
• Fry carefully, turning them as necessary, until golden on all sides, about 4 minutes.
• Adjust heat under the pan as the croquettes cook so they cook evenly.
• Remove the croquettes with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining croquettes.
• Fried croquettes can be kept warm on a baking sheet in a 200° oven for up to 20-30 minutes.

NEAPOLITAN POTATO CROQUETTES

Steps:

• 1 Scrub the potatoes with a brush under cold running water. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan with cold water to cover. Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then let them cool slightly. Peel the potatoes. Put them in a large bowl and mash them with a masher or fork until smooth. 2 Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in a small bowl and setting the whites aside in a shallow dish. Spread the bread crumbs on a sheet of wax paper. 3 Stir the egg yolks, cheese, parsley, and salame into the mashed potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. 4 Using about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture, form a sausage shape about 1 inch wide and 21/2 inches long. Repeat with the remaining potatoes. 5 Beat the egg whites with a whisk or a fork until frothy. Dip the potato logs into the whites, then roll them in the crumbs, coating them completely. Place the logs on a wire rack and let dry 15 to 30 minutes. 6 Pour about 1/2 inch of the oil into a large heavy skillet. Heat over medium heat until a bit of the egg white sizzles when dropped in the oil. Carefully place some of the logs in the pan, leaving a little space between them. Fry them, turning occasionally with tongs, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the browned croquettes to paper towels to drain. 7 Serve immediately or keep the croquettes warm in a low oven while frying the remainder. From "1,000 Italian Recipes." Copyright 2004 by Michele Scicolone. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.