Appetizer > Spanish > Canary Islands

Gofio and Cheese Croquettes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of gofio flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or any other type of hard cheese)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or a large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Plate
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
2. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Add the gofio flour and grated cheese to the saucepan. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
5. Once the mixture is cool, shape it into small croquettes.
6. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the croquettes are coated.
7. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Remove the croquettes from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oil temperature for frying: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 croquettes. Serving size is 3-4 croquettes per person.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 2g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gofio flour can be substituted with cornmeal or any other type of flour.
- Milk can be substituted with any type of milk or non-dairy milk.
- Cheese can be substituted with any type of hard cheese or vegan cheese.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine or any other type of fat.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko or any other type of breadcrumbs.

Variations:
- Add chopped ham or bacon to the mixture for a meatier version.
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese for different flavors.
- Make the croquettes smaller or larger depending on your preference.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is cool before shaping it into croquettes to avoid burning your hands.
- Use a spoon to shape the croquettes for a more uniform size.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add more gofio flour or breadcrumbs.
- If the croquettes break apart while frying, add more breadcrumbs to the coating mixture.

Storage instructions:
- Store the croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the croquettes, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the croquettes, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Alternatively, reheat the croquettes in a frying pan over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the croquettes on a platter with a dipping sauce such as aioli or tomato sauce.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or grated cheese for extra flavor.

Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs such as parsley or chives
- Grated cheese
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Serve with a glass of red wine or beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add more milk or butter.
- If the croquettes fall apart while shaping them, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the croquettes break apart while frying, add more breadcrumbs to the coating mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the mixture is cool before shaping it into croquettes to avoid burning your hands.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for frying to avoid burning the croquettes.

Food history:
Gofio is a traditional flour made from roasted grains such as corn, wheat, or barley. It is a staple food in the Canary Islands and other parts of Spain. Croquettes are a popular snack in Spain and other countries, made with a mixture of meat, fish, or vegetables coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

Flavor profiles:
The gofio and cheese croquettes are savory and cheesy with a crispy breadcrumb coating.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the gofio and cheese croquettes as a snack or appetizer, or as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Crispy, Cheesy, Savory, Nutty