Delicious Squash Croquettes Recipe Perfect for Fall

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Squash Croquettes. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy summer squash, yellow squash, or even butternut squash, then this recipe is for you. Squash croquettes are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as the main course.

This recipe is a twist on the classic croquettes recipe, which typically uses potato as the main ingredient. By using squash instead, we are adding a fresh and healthy twist to this classic dish. The croquettes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect comfort food.

As a chef, I always try to find ways to incorporate vegetables into my dishes, and this recipe is one of my favorites. Squash croquettes are a great way to get your serving of vegetables in a fun and delicious way. So, let’s get started and see why this recipe is a must-try for any squash lover out there!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet? Look no further than these delicious squash croquettes! This recipe is a perfect way to use up any leftover summer squash, butternut squash, or even spaghetti squash you might have on hand.

Not only are these croquettes packed with flavor, but they are also a great source of nutrients. Squash is a versatile vegetable that is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. By adding squash to your diet, you can help support a healthy immune system and digestion.

These squash croquettes are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. Plus, they are a great way to get your kids or picky eaters excited about eating their vegetables.

So what are you waiting for? Give this squash croquettes recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s quickly becoming one of my go-to squash recipes. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to get enough!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need for this delicious Squash Croquettes Recipe:

• 2 cups of grated summer squash
• 1 sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup of self-rising flour
• A pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
• ½ cup of olive oil
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour

These ingredients are enough to make a batch of 4 cups of squash croquettes. If you want to make butternut squash croquettes, you can peel and grate 1 cup of butternut squash and use it instead of the summer squash. You can also use grated zucchini or spaghetti squash, depending on what you have in your pantry.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the squash croquettes. This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special skills, so let’s get started!

Preparing the Squash
Step 1: Peeling and Grating the Squash

Take 4 cups of squash of your choice such as summer squash, yellow squash, butternut squash, kabocha squash, or spaghetti squash. Peel the squash and grate them into a large bowl.

Step 2: Adding Onion and Egg

Finely chop 1 large sweet onion and add it to the bowl of grated squash. Beat 1 egg in a separate bowl and pour it over the squash and onion mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture and mix well.

Step 3: Adding Flour

Stir in 1 cup of self-rising flour into the squash and onion mixture until it is well combined.

Frying the Croquettes
Step 4: Heating the Oil

Heat 1/2 inch of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.

Step 5: Shaping and Frying the Croquettes

Drop a spoonful of batter into the hot oil and flatten it with the back of the spoon to form a patty. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the croquettes for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Draining and Serving

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried squash croquettes onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Serve the croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations
Butternut Squash Croquettes

For a twist on the classic squash croquettes recipe, you can use 2 cups of grated butternut squash instead of the summer squash. The butternut squash has a slightly sweeter taste and a denser texture that works well in this recipe.

Squash Croquettes Alabama

To make the Alabama-style squash croquettes, add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour into the squash mixture. Shape the batter into small balls instead of patties and roll them in flour before frying.

Conclusion

Making squash croquettes is a great way to use up any extra squash you have on hand. These crispy and flavorful fried squash patties are perfect as a side dish or as a snack. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy these delicious croquettes in just a few simple steps.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this squash croquettes recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute or add in different types of squash to suit your taste preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

If you don’t have summer squash or yellow squash on hand, try using butternut squash instead. You’ll need about 1 cup of peeled and grated butternut squash for this recipe. Butternut squash croquettes are a perfect alternative to summer squash croquettes, and they’re just as delicious.

Another great option is zucchini squash. You’ll need about 2 cups of grated zucchini to make zucchini squash croquettes. They have a slightly different flavor and texture than yellow squash croquettes, but they’re still a fantastic way to use up summer squash.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using spaghetti squash or Kabocha squash. These varieties have a slightly different texture than other squash types, but they still work well in fried squash patties.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use a flax egg instead of a regular egg in this recipe. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, use it in place of the beaten egg.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to give your squash croquettes a unique flavor. Try adding finely chopped sweet onion or garlic to the mix for an extra kick.

Overall, this recipe is a great starting point to explore different variations of squash croquettes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different types of squash or seasonings to create your own signature dish.

Serving and Pairing

Squash croquettes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a vegetarian entree. These golden fried delights pair well with a variety of foods, making them perfect for any occasion.

If you’re serving squash croquettes as an appetizer, try pairing them with a light and refreshing dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or ranch dressing. The coolness of the sauce will balance out the warmth of the croquettes and add a burst of flavor to each bite.

As a side dish, squash croquettes can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a healthy and satisfying meal. They also pair well with roasted vegetables, such as carrots or brussels sprouts, to create a colorful and nutrient-rich plate.

For a vegetarian entree, serve the croquettes on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of quinoa salad. The hearty texture of the croquettes will provide a satisfying protein boost, while the fresh greens and grains will balance out the richness of the dish.

Squash croquettes are a great addition to any potluck or party spread. They can be served at room temperature, making them an easy and convenient option for large gatherings. Try pairing them with other vegetable-based dishes, such as a squash casserole or roasted acorn squash, for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, squash croquettes are a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. So go ahead and get creative with your pairings – the possibilities are endless!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

These squash croquettes are perfect for making ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to serve them for a party or gathering. To make these croquettes ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe as directed, but instead of frying them, arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to two months.

When you’re ready to serve the croquettes, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the frozen croquettes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat the croquettes in a skillet over medium heat, flipping them occasionally until heated through.

If you have leftover croquettes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them or put them in a preheated oven or skillet until they are heated through.

One thing to note is that these croquettes are best served immediately after frying, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time, and the squash inside may become soggy. However, if you do have leftover fried croquettes, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat them, you can simply pop them in the oven or skillet until they are heated through.

Overall, these squash croquettes are a versatile recipe that you can easily make ahead of time and reheat as needed. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course, these croquettes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making squash croquettes, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results. Here are some recommendations to help you make the best possible squash croquettes:

1. Use self-rising flour: Self-rising flour is a game-changer in this recipe. It helps the croquettes to rise and become airy and crispy. You can make your own self-rising flour by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

2. Don’t overcook the squash: Overcooked squash can make your croquettes soggy. Be sure to cook the squash until it’s just tender, and then drain it well to remove any excess moisture.

3. Use a mix of squash: A combination of different types of squash, such as yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, or kabocha squash, can add depth of flavor and texture to your croquettes.

4. Add finely diced onion: Onion adds a nice savory flavor to the croquettes. Be sure to dice the onion finely so that it cooks through evenly.

5. Fry the croquettes in hot oil: To ensure that your croquettes come out crispy and golden, fry them in hot oil (375°F). If the oil is not hot enough, the croquettes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

6. Drain the croquettes on paper towels: After frying the croquettes, be sure to drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

7. Serve hot: Squash croquettes are best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. If you need to make them ahead of time, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy squash croquettes every time.

FAQ

Now that you have learned how to make the perfect squash croquettes, it’s time to address some common questions and concerns that may arise while preparing this dish. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding squash croquettes that will help you achieve excellent results every time.

Why is my fried squash soggy?

One important tip to keep your fried squash from becoming soggy is to sprinkle salt on the slices before frying. This will help draw out any excess moisture and leave you with crispy and delicious squash. Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy squash. By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful fried squash every time.

Do you take the skin off squash before cooking it?

When it comes to squash, it’s important to note that the skin is technically edible. However, just because something is edible doesn’t necessarily mean it’s enjoyable to eat. Depending on the type of squash, the skin may range from tender and flavorful to tough and stringy, which can detract from the overall dish. As a chef, it’s important to understand which types of squash have skin that’s worth incorporating into your recipe, and which ones are better off discarded.

Do you need to peel squash before roasting?

When it comes to using squash in recipes, peeling it is optional but recommended depending on how it will be consumed. If the whole squash will be roasted, then peeling is not necessary. This is because the skin becomes easily digestible after roasting and can be easily scooped out if desired.

How do you make squash taste better?

Winter squash can be a delicious addition to any meal, but it’s important to know how to bring out its full flavor potential. One way to do this is by braising it in stock — adding a splash of maple syrup to the stock can bring out the squash’s natural sweetness. For those who prefer a spicier flavor, consider braising it in a mixture of dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and chili garlic paste. If you’re looking for a more caramelized taste, try turning up the heat on your standard roast.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, squash croquettes are a versatile and delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. This recipe is easy to follow and can be modified to fit your taste preferences. Whether you use butternut squash, summer squash, or any other type of squash, these croquettes are sure to be a hit at any meal. Serve them as an appetizer, side dish or even as the main course. You can even experiment with different types of dipping sauces to complement the flavors of the croquettes.

So, if you’re looking for a way to switch up your usual side dishes or just want to try something new, give this squash croquettes recipe a try. You won’t regret it! And don’t forget to explore other squash recipes out there, from squash fritters to squash casseroles, there’s no limit to what you can do with this versatile vegetable.

In the end, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great addition to your repertoire. It’s simple, delicious, and healthy, making it perfect for any occasion. So, why not try it out today and see for yourself why squash croquettes are a must-try dish!

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]