Crispy Eggplant Cheddar Croquettes
Dive into these delightful Crispy Eggplant Cheddar Croquettes, where tender, mashed eggplant is combined with the wonderful sharpness of cheddar cheese and aromatic herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, these croquettes are pan-fried to golden brown perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor from the fresh basil and garlic, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. They're not just delicious; they're also a creative way to enjoy vegetables while satisfying your cravings for comfort food. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet impressive dish that celebrates the rich, earthy taste of eggplant!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (peeled and cubed)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1 cup
Large Eggs
2
Fresh Basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Yellow or Red Onions
3 tablespoons (minced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a covered saucepan, bring a small amount of water to a boil and add the cubed eggplant. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
2
Drain the eggplant thoroughly, ensuring any excess moisture is removed, and then mash it in a mixing bowl until smooth.
3
In the same bowl, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped basil, minced onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Form the mixture into patties, roughly the size of your palm.
5
In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the patties to the pan, being sure not to overcrowd it.
6
Fry the croquettes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crispy Eggplant Cheddar Croquettes warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Eggplant Cheddar Croquettes?
They are delightful patties made of tender mashed eggplant, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs, pan-fried until golden brown.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese and one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this eggplant recipe vegetarian?
Yes, these croquettes are classified as a vegetarian vegetable dish.
How many eggplants do I need?
You will need two eggplants for this recipe.
Should the eggplants be peeled?
Yes, the eggplants should be peeled and cubed before cooking.
How long do I boil the eggplant?
Cook the cubed eggplant in a covered saucepan for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
Why must I drain the eggplant thoroughly?
Draining ensures any excess moisture is removed, which prevents the mixture from being too wet to form into patties.
What texture should the eggplant have before mixing?
The eggplant should be mashed in a mixing bowl until it is smooth.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
Yes, you can use three tablespoons of either minced yellow or red onions.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires two minced garlic cloves.
What fresh herb is used for seasoning?
Two tablespoons of fresh chopped basil are used to add aromatic flavor.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the mixture?
Two large eggs are added to help bind the ingredients together so the patties hold their shape.
How large should the croquettes be?
You should form the mixture into patties that are roughly the size of your palm.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
One cup of vegetable oil is used for pan-frying the croquettes.
How long do I fry each side of the croquette?
Fry the croquettes for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the croquettes are finished cooking?
They are ready when they have turned golden brown and are crispy on the outside.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried basil using a smaller amount.
What should I do with the croquettes immediately after frying?
Remove them from the pan and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Is it okay to overcrowd the frying pan?
No, you should be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying and crispiness.
What is the heat setting for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat until hot.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I serve these as a main dish?
While they are perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they can also be enjoyed as a light main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including seasonings and frying oil.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a rich, earthy eggplant taste combined with sharp cheddar and savory garlic and basil notes.
Should I serve these hot or cold?
It is best to enjoy these Crispy Eggplant Cheddar Croquettes while they are still warm.
Can I use other cheeses?
The recipe specifies sharp cheddar and Parmesan, but you could experiment with other melting cheeses if desired.
Is this a good recipe for using garden-fresh eggplant?
Absolutely, it is a creative and delicious way to celebrate the flavor of fresh eggplant.
How complex is this recipe to prepare?
The recipe is easy to follow and produces an impressive dish suitable for family or friends.