Potato, Chorizo + Mozzarella Croquettes with Capsicum Sauce Recipe
These Potato, Chorizo, and Mozzarella Croquettes are crispy golden bites filled with savory chorizo and gooey mozzarella, paired perfectly with a smoky and sweet capsicum sauce. A delicious appetizer or snack that blends creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful Spanish sausage and a crunchy exterior thanks to double-crumbing and deep frying.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Croquettes
- 700g washed potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 50g butter, diced
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 200g chorizo, chopped
- 100g Symons Organic Mozzarella, torn into 5g pieces
- ½ cup plain flour
- 4 eggs, whisked
- 200g panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups cooking oil for deep frying
Capsicum Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ red capsicum, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are softened when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Mash Potatoes and Season: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Mix in diced butter, milk, salt, and white pepper until well combined and creamy.
- Cook the Chorizo: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chorizo and sauté for about 4 minutes until it turns golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and mix the cooked chorizo into the mashed potatoes evenly.
- Cool the Mixture: Spread the chorizo mashed potato mixture on a tray and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to cool to room temperature and firm up slightly for easier shaping.
- Shape Croquettes: Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture, flatten it slightly, and place a 5g piece of mozzarella in the center. Roll into a ball, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat until all the mixture and mozzarella are used.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the plain flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls.
- First Crumb Coat: Roll each croquette ball first in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Place on a plate.
- Second Crumb Coat: Repeat by dipping each ball into egg wash and then again in the panko for a double coating, which ensures an extra crispy exterior.
- Deep Fry Croquettes: Heat the cooking oil in a medium-sized saucepan or deep fryer to about 180°C (356°F). Fry the croquettes in batches for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make Capsicum Sauce: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add diced capsicum, onion, and sliced garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Add salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture caramelizes and develops a lightly burnt edge.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in sherry vinegar and cook for 2 more minutes to reduce slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend Sauce: Using a stick blender, puree the capsicum sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the hot croquettes with the capsicum sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are well drained and slightly cooled before mashing to avoid watery mixture.
- Chilling the potato and chorizo mixture helps in shaping the croquettes easier without them falling apart.
- Double coating the croquettes with egg and breadcrumbs creates a crunchier crust when fried.
- Maintain oil temperature at 180°C to cook croquettes evenly and prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
- Use fresh mozzarella for gooey, melty cheese centers.
- The capsicum sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: potato croquettes, chorizo recipe, mozzarella croquettes, fried appetizers, Spanish snacks, capsicum sauce