Florida Eggplant Croquettes
Florida Eggplant Croquettes feature tender eggplant combined with seasoned cornmeal mixture, fried to golden perfection. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and dice the eggplant.
- Cook the eggplant in boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and allow to cool.
- In a bowl, mix the corn meal, self-rising flour, sugar, salt, pepper, chopped onions, and drained eggplant.
- Lightly beat the eggs and add them to the eggplant mixture. Mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches of 375°F (medium-high heat) grease.
- Cook until brown, turning when needed.
- Remove from grease and drain.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter croquette, try using almond flour instead of self-rising flour. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy texture, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking. This recipe can also be adapted to include vegetables like zucchini or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Florida Eggplant Croquettes with a zesty dipping sauce like tzatziki or a spicy remoulade for added flavor. They pair well with a fresh salad or could be served alongside Cheddar Cheese And Asparagus Soup for a delightful meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze them before frying, then cook from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Eggplant Croquettes contains roughly 117 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe?
While fresh Florida eggplant is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen eggplant if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
What can I substitute for corn meal?
If you don't have corn meal on hand, you can substitute it with finely ground breadcrumbs or polenta. This will slightly alter the texture but will still provide a delicious result.
Can I make these croquettes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just be sure to give it a good stir before frying, as some separation may occur.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).