Pea and Ricotta Croquettes
- Vegetarian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 25 min
- Cook time: 25 min
- Makes: 18 pieces
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Green, golden, and crisp on the outside, Pea and Ricotta Croquettes bring cheerful color and wonderful flavor to any family table. That first bite into the fluffy shell—so moist and creamy inside—really shows why these easy croquette recipes show up again and again for parties and weeknight meals. It’s one of those healthy snacks that both kids and adults reach for without hesitation, thanks to its satisfying mix of tender peas, smooth ricotta, and a good savory depth. Families like these soft and rich snacks as spring appetizers for dinner gatherings, or as part of a fun lunch spread since the pea and ricotta croquettes look great on the plate…especially with simple sides. Nice golden color plus that rich, creamy middle make these family-friendly recipes feel just right for casual celebrations, while the reliable texture works well for anyone who wants DELICIOUS, adaptable appetizers that stand out from typical pea fritters or store-bought snacks.
Busy households really appreciate recipes like this—pea and ricotta croquettes always score high for make-ahead meals, nice healthy snacks, and simple meal prep ideas that turn out consistently good every time. Pretty much every home cook I know loves how easy it is to change things up: pair with classic tomato or creamy yogurt dips for a new twist, serve straight from the fridge for a fast bite, or pack as part of those healthy snacks that travel well on busy days. Their versatility means you can offer them as savory snacks at seasonal gatherings, tuck leftovers into lunchboxes, or let everyone snack straight from the plate at family movie night…always a hit! It’s easy to see why these pea and ricotta croquettes rank among top make-ahead recipes: great flavor, nice crispy outside, and a reliable result that works for many diets (easy swap for different cheeses or gluten-free options). Try them once—most families find they become a regular part of the routine, both for comfort and for those special get-togethers where easy croquette recipes and air fryer experiments really shine.
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INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 18 croquettes, 1.18x2.75 inches each
- Peas 1 ¼ cup (200 g) - shelled
- Ricotta cheese 1 ¼ cup (300 g)
- Breadcrumbs 1 cup (90 g)
- Grana Padano PDO cheese 3.5 oz (100 g) - (to grate)
- Eggs 3
- Extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp (15 g)
- Fresh scallion 1.75 oz (50 g)
- Water 1 tbsp (15 g)
- Nutmeg to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- for breading and frying
- Breadcrumbs ½ cup (50 g)
- Peanut seed oil 4 ¼ cups (1 l)
How to prepare Pea and Ricotta Croquettes
To prepare the pea and ricotta croquettes, start by cleaning the spring onion 1 and chopping it finely 2, then pour it into a pan with extra virgin olive oil and let it soften for five minutes over low heat 3.
Then pour in the shelled peas 4, add some water 5 and a pinch of salt 6; let them cook for about ten more minutes, until the water has completely evaporated.
When cooked, let the peas cool slightly then pour them into a mixer 7, add the ricotta 8, and blend until you get a thick cream 9.
Transfer the cream into a bowl and add the grated Grana Padano DOP 10. Meanwhile, break the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites into two different bowls (the whites will be used for the breading) 11. Beat the yolks with a fork 12,
and pour them over the mixture. Grate the nutmeg 13, then add the breadcrumbs 14 and mix with your hands 15.
Finally, adjust with salt and pepper 16. Take 1.4 ounces of the mixture and shape it into croquettes, molding it 17 until you get cylinders, slightly rounded, 1.18 inches thick and 2.75 inches long: by doing so, you should get 18 pieces. Gradually place the croquettes on a tray where you have laid a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to the bottom 18.
With a fork, quickly beat the egg whites for a few moments 19 and then dip each croquette one at a time 20, drain it well and then pass it in the breadcrumbs making sure the crumbs adhere to all sides 21
and repeat for all the other croquettes 22. Pour plenty of seed oil into a pan and let it heat up to 338°F (use a kitchen thermometer to measure the exact temperature), then pour in 4-5 croquettes at a time 23 in this way you will maintain a constant temperature and turn them occasionally to even out the cooking 24.
After a few minutes of cooking, when the croquettes are well golden, remove them with a slotted spoon 25 and let them drain for a few minutes on a tray with paper towels 26. Enjoy your pea and ricotta croquettes as soon as they're ready!