If you are a lover of vegetables, you cannot miss this delicious recipe for broccoli and parmesan croquettes. Thanks to their perfect combination of ingredients and flavours, you will win over both adults and the little ones in the house. In addition, these croquettes are not only a perfect option to enjoy at lunch or dinner, but they can also be prepared in advance, which makes it easier to plan your weekly menu.
One of the great advantages of making homemade croquettes is that They can be easily frozen after breading.. This way, you will have a solution at hand speed boat tour for any occasion, as they can be fried directly without having to defrost them beforehand.
Ingredients needed:
For approximately 10 croquettes:
- 250 gr. broccoli.
- 5-6 tablespoons Parmesan grated.
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped.
- 400 ml. milk.
- 4 tablespoons of flour.
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 egg.
- Bread crumbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
How to prepare broccoli and parmesan croquettes step by step:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients prepared and the necessary utensils at hand. This process, although simple, requires some organization to obtain a perfect result.
Preparation of broccoli
Start by cutting the florets off of the broccoli, discarding the central stem. Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring to a boil. When the water is ready, add the broccoli and cook until tender but still firm. This process usually takes 4-6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you want to preserve a vibrant green color, you can quickly cool it in a bowl of ice water.
Preparation of the bechamel base
Heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until translucent and lightly browned. Then, add the 4 tablespoons of flour and stir constantly for 3 minutes to toast the flour and remove its raw taste.
Warm the milk slightly in a separate bowl so that it is not cold when you add it. Pour half of the milk into the pan with the flour and onion, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the chopped broccoli at this stage. Then, add the rest of the milk little by little, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and has a creamy consistency. Don't forget to add salt, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour.
When the dough is ready and well combined, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. To prevent a crust from forming on the surface, you can cover the dough with cling film, making sure that it touches the mixture directly.
Shaping and breading the croquettes
Once the dough is cold and firm, it's time to shape the croquettes. With your hands lightly greased, take small portions of dough and shape them into cylinders or balls, depending on your preference. Beat an egg on one plate and arrange breadcrumbs on another. Dip each croquette first in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.
Frying the croquettes
Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the croquettes in batches, avoiding overloading the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden on both sides. Remove the croquettes and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Freezing and healthy alternatives
If you want to save the croquettes for another time, freeze them after breading. Place them on separate trays to prevent them from sticking together and, once frozen, transfer them to airtight bags. These croquettes can also be baked for a healthier version. Simply place them on a baking paper-lined tray, drizzle with a little oil and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
Benefits of broccoli and parmesan cheese
Broccoli is a superfood with multiple properties. It is rich in vitamins A, C and K, in addition to containing antioxidants that help fight free radicals. It is also an excellent source of fiber, which promotes intestinal transit and contributes to the feeling of satiety.
For its part, Parmesan cheese is a great source of high quality protein y football, essential for strengthening bones. Its intense flavour makes it the perfect complement to this recipe, providing a delicious contrast to the softness of broccoli.
Preparing homemade croquettes is not only a way to enjoy a dish full of flavor, but also an opportunity to include more vegetables in your daily diet. These broccoli and parmesan cheese croquettes will not only delight your palate, but will also provide important nutrients to your body.