How to Make Delicious Salt Cod Croquette – A Spanish Delight
If you’re a seafood lover, then you’re in for a treat with this classic
Spanish dish – Salt Cod Croquette. Bursting with flavors of the sea and crispy
on the outside, these delightful bites are sure to please your taste buds. In
this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious
dish step by step, so you can recreate the authentic flavors of Spain in your
own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of salt cod
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak the Salt Cod
The first step in making Salt Cod Croquette is to soak the salt cod to remove
excess salt. Rinse the salt cod under cold water to remove any surface salt,
then place it in a large bowl of cold water. Let it soak for at least 24
hours, changing the water every 8 hours to ensure that the salt is fully
removed.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Place them in a pot of cold water
and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are
fork-tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Croquette Mixture
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion
and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant. Stir in the
flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is well
incorporated.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the
mixture for another 3-4 minutes, until it thickens and becomes creamy. Add the
smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
Add the boiled potatoes, soaked and drained salt cod, and finely chopped
parsley to the pan, and gently mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3
minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are well combined
and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Croquettes
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once it’s cool
enough to handle, shape the mixture into small oval or round patties, about 2
inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
In a shallow dish, beat the eggs. Place the bread crumbs in another shallow
dish. Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the bread
crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs to the croquette.
Step 5: Fry the Croquettes
In a deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of olive oil over medium heat.
Carefully add the croquettes to the hot oil, in batches if necessary, and fry
them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon
to transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess
oil.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious Salt Cod Croquettes are now ready to be served. These crispy
and flavorful bites make a perfect appetizer or snacks!
