Homemade potato croquettes

Crocchette di patate
I know these potato croquettes can be bought surgelato for next to nothing in any Italian supermarket, but even the best readymade quality does not compare to the real homemade thing, which is in fact quite easy to produce. All you need is a couple of boiled potatoes, some parmesan, an egg, a heap of dried bread crumbs and some olive oil. The result is a junk food deluxe that ousts ordinary French fries, chips, crisps and other fried potato products.

Croquettes are mostly served as a side dish to accompany meat, but I prefer to have one among the antipasti. That way you only have to make one or two pieces per serving and the rich food is limited to a modest snack.

Ingredients
1 big potato
2 tbsp grated parmaggiano
1 egg
2 dl dried bread crumbs
Olive oil for frying

Preparation
Peel the potato, cut it is small pieces and let them boil until tender.
Mash the potato with a fork and mix it with salt and grated cheese
Prepare a dish with beaten egg and one with dried bread crumbs.
Form the mashed potato in eight oblong pieces, dip each piece in egg and roll it in breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil in a casserole and fry the croquettes until golden brown. (According to the numerous and popular food programmes on Italian television fat contents in fried foods decrease if you use ample of oil for frying – I suppose it is something with shorter frying times and less oil absorption).