Potato Coquettes / Vegetable Coquettes

Potato Coquettes are a delicious way to turn simple boiled potatoes into a crispy, crowd-pleasing snack. These golden cylindrical croquettes are mildly spiced, crunchy on the outside, and soft inside. They make a perfect tea-time snack, party starter, or even a fun side dish for kids.

You can keep them completely vegetarian or add bacon or smoked chicken ham bits for a non-vegetarian twist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredient

1 kilo potatoes

Spice Powders

1½ tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

½ tsp pepper powder

¼ tsp turmeric powder

Other Ingredients

2–3 medium onions, finely chopped

4–5 green chillies, finely chopped

1 cup chopped coriander leaves

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

Salt to taste

For Coating

2 eggs

A pinch of salt

A pinch of pepper powder

Panko bread crumbs (as required) / bread crumbs

For Frying

Oil for shallow frying or medium deep frying

 Method

Preparing the Potato Mixture

Wash the potatoes well and boil them until fully cooked.

Drain and allow them to cool completely.

Peel the potatoes and mash them well, ensuring there are no lumps.

Add salt to taste.

Add coriander powder, cumin powder, pepper powder, turmeric powder, chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chillies, and ginger-garlic paste.

Mix everything thoroughly. Shape the mixture into small cylindrical croquettes.

Frying the Coquettes

Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Dip each croquette into the egg mixture.

Roll well in panko bread crumbs, coating evenly.

Shallow fry or medium deep fry until golden brown and crisp.

I prefer shallow frying.

Drain on absorbent paper.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with Angus’s ( My son's) Cheat’s Cheese Sauce

Angus’s Cheat’s Cheese Sauce

Cheese melt or grated cheese (as per taste)

1 cup chipotle sauce

Sriracha sauce (to taste)

A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning

Mix everything well and serve warm with the croquettes.

 Variations

Add crispy fried bacon bits to the mashed potato mixture

Or add smoked chicken ham bits

These give a delicious smoky flavour and make the dish not entirely vegetarian.