Spinach Croquettes

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) fresh spinach 300g (10.5 oz) fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 50g (1.75 oz) all-purpose flour 50g (1.75 oz) all-purpose flour
• 300ml (1.25 cups) milk 300ml (1.25 cups) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. Chop the spinach finely and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and resembles a creamy sauce.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
6. 6.
   Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into small cylinders or balls.
7. 7.
   Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Spinach Croquettes hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the croquettes extra crispy, you can double coat them by dipping them in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs twice.
• If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add grated cheese such as Parmesan or Manchego to the spinach mixture.
• Serve the croquettes with a tangy dipping sauce like aioli or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Spinach Croquettes as an appetizer or a side dish. They pair well with a fresh green salad or a tomato-based sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spinach Croquettes on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve them hot to showcase their crispy exterior.