Croquettes are popular appetizers, bite-sized and easy to handle in party situations. They’re usually made with mashed potatoes or some other starchy base combined with other ingredients such as fish, mushrooms, herbs, meat, etc., that impart flavor. Egg or a white sauce is often added as a binder. Croquettes are breaded or rolled in breadcrumbs or cracker meal and then deep fried until golden.

In Spain, croquetas are found on all tapas menus, many times flavored with Spanish Serrano ham (jamón Serrano, cod, mackerel, or shrimp.

Ingredients for Potato-Mushroom Croquettes

• 1-1/2 lb. potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 5 cups water
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
• 1 t oil
• 1 T water
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Matzo or cracker meal

Boil potatoes in water until tender. Drain and mash.

In a separate pan, saute onions and mushrooms in oil and water over medium heat for three minutes.

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sauteed onions and mushrooms, seasonings and matzo meal.

Form into 10 croquettes.

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and fry croquettes for 8 minutes on each side.