Preparation

1. Wrap the eggplants in plastic wrap (cling film)
2. Microwave them for 15 minutes
3. Carefully remove the plastic wrap, scoop out the flesh, discard the skin, chop the flesh and set aside
4. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic with a pinch of salt. Set aside as well
5. In a pan with oil, brown the butter
6. Add the chicken broth
7. Pour in the cold milk and bring everything to a boil
8. Season with pepper, nutmeg and salt. Add the sautéed onion and garlic
9. Cook for 20 minutes
10. Let the mixture cool for 3 hours
11. Shape the croquettes and coat them in beaten egg and breadcrumbs
12. Let them rest for half an hour
13. Fry in a pan
14. Serve piping hot

Wonderful Eggplant Croquettes

What a delicious way to make use of that wonderful vegetable, the eggplant! These eggplant croquettes will please every guest. They’re very easy to make and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as the main dish. No matter how you serve them, everyone will love them!

What Eggplant Croquettes Are and Where to Find Them

Eggplant croquettes are a popular appetizer or side dish found in many restaurants and cafés, even vegetarian or vegan ones. They’re made with eggplant, béchamel sauce, breadcrumbs, and other creative savory ingredients.

They can be served with a dipping sauce such as marinara or yogurt sauce.

They can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them an ideal dish to accompany any meal. Eggplant croquettes are a wonderful way to include this tasty and versatile vegetable in your diet.

Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or not, you’ll definitely enjoy this flavorful dish.

The History of Eggplant Croquettes and Their Popularity Across Cultures

The history of eggplant croquettes is a long-debated topic among culinary historians. Although there’s no exact answer about when and where they first appeared, it’s believed they originated in Italy or Spain. Regardless of their origin, eggplant croquettes are now a very popular dish in many cuisines, found on menus all around the world.

According to some culinary historians, the earliest versions of eggplant croquettes appeared in Italy sometime in the 16th century. At that time, eggplants were not widely eaten, and most Italians didn’t know how to prepare them. However, a few inventive cooks found a way to make them more appetizing by coating them in a thick batter, breading them, and frying them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

This simple yet delicious preparation quickly became fashionable, and the early versions of eggplant croquettes soon turned into one of Italy’s favorite dishes, eventually evolving into what we now know as eggplant croquettes.

Others believe that eggplant croquettes originated in Spain around the same time.

Just like the Italians, the Spanish were unfamiliar with this vegetable when it first arrived, and they also found it difficult to prepare.

However, they soon developed their own method: slicing the eggplant, coating it in a thick potato-based batter, breading it, and frying it to achieve a crispy exterior.

This simple preparation quickly became a staple in many Spanish households and played an important role in the development of many classic Spanish dishes, such as roasted eggplant, grilled eggplant slices, and even omelets.

Whichever theory is correct, it’s clear that eggplant croquettes have a rich history that dates back centuries. These delicious bites continue to delight people around the world, and their popularity only grows year after year.

How to Make Eggplant Croquettes

Eggplant croquettes are a delicious and flavorful dish that’s also easy to prepare.

The first step is to cut the eggplant into small cubes and cook them over heat. Then, season the eggplant with salt and pepper.

After seasoning, finish cooking it and mix it with the béchamel sauce.

Let it cool, and once the mixture is ready to shape, form the croquettes and coat them in breadcrumbs. You can make your own breadcrumbs by wrapping crustless bread in aluminum foil and baking it for 15 minutes, or simply use store-bought breadcrumbs.

Once coated, fry the croquettes in a pan until golden brown on both sides. After cooking, you can add extra ingredients to create a creamy filling inside the croquettes.

These ingredients could include feta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, or mayonnaise. Once everything is mixed—feel free to adjust or substitute to your liking—place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of the eggplant cubes.

Finally, a nice finishing touch is to sprinkle the croquettes with freshly chopped herbs before serving!

Delicious Eggplant Croquette Recipes

Every good cook knows that the secret to a delicious dish lies in using the right ingredients. For eggplant croquettes, that means fresh eggplant and a flavorful breadcrumb coating. To make the coating, you can use plain breadcrumbs or a seasoned mix. For extra flavor and texture, try adding Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs to the breadcrumbs. When cooking the eggplant, make sure to drain it well before mixing it with the breadcrumbs—this helps prevent sogginess. Once shaped, cook the croquettes in a pan over medium heat until golden on each side. Serve these tasty eggplant croquettes hot with a side of roasted red pepper sauce for a flavorful lunch or dinner.

Healthy Eating Tips While Dieting or Watching Your Weight

There are many ways to eat healthier while dieting or keeping an eye on your weight. One simple strategy is to replace high-calorie foods with lighter alternatives. For example, swap fried foods for baked versions, and high-sugar desserts for those with less sugar. Another good approach is portion control—pay attention to how much you eat and stop when you feel full. Lastly, be mindful when dining out: choose healthier menu options and ask for dressings and sauces on the side to avoid overconsumption. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your favorite meals while still maintaining control over your weight.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Eggplant Croquettes: What Scientists Think Might Be Happening

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, patients often develop food aversions, losing their appetite for certain dishes. However, some studies suggest that certain foods may actually help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. One such food is eggplant. A recent study found that eggplant may help reduce amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, which is believed to be one of the key factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, eggplant is a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. As a result, eating eggplant-based dishes like eggplant croquettes may help ease Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Eggplants are an excellent meat substitute for those following a vegetarian diet. They’re rich in nutrients and low in fat, making them suitable for generous servings. In this recipe, we’ve paired our croquettes with a creamy tomato sauce for a unique, restaurant-quality flavor without meat. If you want to create a satisfying meat-free meal, try this recipe. You can also add other vegetables, such as cauliflower or mushrooms, instead of—or in addition to—eggplant to enhance the flavor.

La berenjena: baja en calorías y con bríos juveniles

La berenjena es un fruto o baya comestible de cierto amargor de la familia de las solanáceas.

El cultivo de berenjenas tiene más de 4.000 años de antigüedad. Los comerciantes árabes las llevaron al sudeste asiático (China, India, Birmania...), a los países mediterráenos y a la España musulmana. Y los españoles la dieron a conocer a América.

Los principales países productores en la actualidad son China, India, Egipto, Turquía e Irán. España figura en el top-10.

En la Edad Media tuvo mala fama, siendo asociada a la locura, la epilepsia y la fiebre.

Cuando está madura adquiere una amplia gama de coloración: morada (la más habitual), negra, roja, amarilla e incluso blanca.

Jamás debe comerse cruda. Sus componentes mayoritarios son el agua y el potasio. Es baja en calorías. Muy indicada para personas diabéticas y al ser antioxidante en dietas rejuvenecedoras.

Ya lo sabes, las croquetas de berenjena puede ser sinónimo de alegría y juventud. No lo dudes, ¡a por ellas!