Macedonian-style Croquette Skewers

Ingredients

In this Macedonian adaptation, we incorporate traditional Macedonian flavors and ingredients to give the croquetas a unique twist. The original Spanish croquetas are typically made with a béchamel sauce base, but in this recipe, we use a creamy potato and cheese filling instead. Additionally, we serve the croquetas on skewers, which is a common presentation style in Macedonian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Pincho de croquetas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and boiled 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 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
• Greek yogurt for dipping Greek yogurt for dipping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth.
2. 2.
   Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well to combine.
3. 3.
   Shape the potato mixture into small croquettes, about 2 inches long.
4. 4.
   Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
7. 7.
   Thread the croquettes onto skewers, placing 2-3 croquettes on each skewer.
8. 8.
   Serve the croquette skewers with a side of Greek yogurt for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender for easy mashing.
• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add some crumbled bacon or chopped olives to the potato mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili flakes into the potato mixture.
• To make the croquettes ahead of time, you can freeze them after shaping and coating with breadcrumbs. Just thaw them before frying.
• If you don't have skewers, you can serve the croquettes on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the croquettes to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian-style croquette skewers as an appetizer or a main course. They pair well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or oregano leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve the Greek yogurt dip in a small bowl alongside the skewers.