Potato croquettes are not served much in Italy, except around Rome. When I first began working in Italian American restaurants, potato croquettes were always paired with a vegetable as a side dish. I grew fond of the dish, I guess, because it combines two things Americans love: mashed potatoes and fried things.
Recipe information
Yield
makes about 24 croquettes
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Put the unpeeled potatoes in a saucepan with water to cover by an inch. Bring to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain, and when cool enough to handle, peel, and pass the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, and toss in the diced prosciutto. Sauté the prosciutto until the fat is rendered and the prosciutto is slightly crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, and let the prosciutto cool, then add to the bowl with the potatoes. Beat one egg and add, plus the grated cheese, parsley, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
Step 3
Using about 3 tablespoons per croquette, form the potato mixture into twenty-four 2-inch cylinders, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Refrigerate the potato mixture until firm, about 1/2 hour.
Step 4
Whisk together the remaining eggs and the milk in a wide, shallow bowl. Spread the flour on a plate, and mix the bread crumbs and sesame seeds on another plate. Season each dish with salt. Working in batches, dredge the croquettes in flour to coat them lightly, and tap off the excess. Dip the croquettes into the eggs, turning well to coat evenly. Let the excess egg drip back into the bowl, then dredge the croquettes in bread crumbs. Turn to coat all sides well, pressing gently with your hands until the bread crumbs adhere. For easier frying, refrigerate 1/2 hour after breading.
Step 5
When you are ready to fry, heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat; it is ready for frying when the end of a croquette sizzles. Fry the croquettes in batches, turning on all sides, until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels, seasoning with salt while still hot. Serve warm or at room temperature.
