Squash croquettes are a delicious and versatile dish that brings together the mild sweetness of yellow squash with a savory blend of spices and herbs. These croquettes are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for a light meal. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, squash croquettes are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a new way to enjoy squash, these croquettes offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded yellow squash
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives or parsley
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Dash of cayenne
- 4 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 Tbsp salted butter
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Squash and Onion Start by shredding 4 cups of yellow squash and finely dicing 1 medium sweet onion. Place the shredded squash in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then squeeze the squash with a clean towel to remove any remaining liquid.
2. Mix the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded squash, diced onion, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of self-rising flour, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped chives or parsley. Add 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly blended.
3. Form the Croquettes Take small handfuls of the mixture and shape them into patties or oval-shaped croquettes. Coat each croquette in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
4. Cook the Croquettes In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the croquettes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each croquette for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil and butter as needed for subsequent batches.
5. Drain and Serve Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the squash croquettes hot, garnished with additional chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Conclusion
Squash croquettes are a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of yellow squash in a new and exciting form. These crispy, savory croquettes are easy to make and versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. The combination of shredded squash, sweet onion, and a blend of spices, all encased in a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating, creates a deliciously satisfying bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, squash croquettes are sure to impress and delight. Enjoy them hot and crispy for the best experience!