Spirit of the Wind

Potato-and-Mozzarella Croquettes
Active Time 50 MIN Total Time 1 HR 50 MIN Yield Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 pound baking potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
Kosher salt
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/3-inch dice
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium tomatoes (3/4 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetable oil, for frying

How to Make It
Step 1 - In a saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt and simmer over moderate heat until tender, 20 minutes. Drain and let cool. Pass the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl. Stir in the mozzarella and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into 8 oval croquettes and transfer to a plate. Cover and refrigerate until firm, 30 minutes.
Step 2 - Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the tomatoes and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened and saucy, 8 minutes. Stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 3 - Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the mustard, garlic and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Dredge the croquettes in the bread crumbs, tapping off the excess. Dip the croquettes in the beaten egg mixture to coat, then dredge again in the bread crumbs, pressing lightly to help the crumbs adhere.
Step 4 - In a large saucepan, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°. Working in 2 batches, fry the croquettes, turning, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve with the tomato sauce.