Do you want something different from the usual main course? The potato croquettes with sausage and spinach, accompanied by a sweet and velvety pepper cream, are a delicious, flavorful, and also easy dish to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner, a rich appetizer, or a savory buffet, these croquettes combine the creaminess of potatoes, the savoriness of sausage, and the freshness of spinach in an irresistible bite. And with the pepper sauce, you hit the mark right away! I’ll explain step by step how to prepare them.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 40 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups Potatoes (yellow-fleshed)
- 4 1/4 oz Sausage (recommended boscaiola filled with peppers and mushrooms)
- 2 3/4 oz Spinach
- as needed Breadcrumbs
- as needed Salt
- as needed Pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 teaspoon Raisins
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Detailed Procedure
Wash the potatoes and boil them with the skin in slightly salted water (it will take about 30 minutes, depending on the size). Once cooked, peel them and mash them while still hot with a potato masher to obtain a smooth puree. This step is important to keep the mixture dry.
You can also boil the potatoes in the microwave quickly, see how to do it HERE
Add the sausage, removed from the casing and crumbled directly to the potato puree. There is no need to cook it first, it will cook in the oven. Add the well-drained and finely chopped boiled spinach. Season with salt and pepper and gradually incorporate the breadcrumbs until you get a soft but moldable mixture. Be careful not to overdo it with the breadcrumbs: the croquettes could become dry.
Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps to compact the mixture and makes it easier to form the croquettes.
Meanwhile, in a pan, stew the finely chopped onion with a drizzle of oil. Add the chopped bell pepper and raisins, then pour a tablespoon of water and adjust the salt. Cover and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Blend everything with an immersion blender until you get a smooth cream. The sweetness of the raisins perfectly balances the flavor of the sausage.
Take the mixture and form croquettes all of the same size, so they cook evenly. Pass them in breadcrumbs, place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and a drizzle of oil. Bake in a static oven at 356°F for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.
Cooking in air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 356°F for about 3 minutes.
Place the croquettes in the basket, well spaced (if necessary, cook them in two batches).
Lightly spray with extra virgin olive oil to promote browning.
Cook for about 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. The times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer.
They will be golden, light, and crispy, also perfect for a tasty appetizer or a different main course.Serve the croquettes hot, accompanied by the pepper cream.
Tips
You can fry them in oil if you want a more indulgent version.
If you prefer a milder taste, use plain or chicken/turkey sausage.
The pepper cream can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and can also be used on bruschetta or pasta.
Variations
Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the mixture for an extra touch of flavor.
Use purple potatoes for a surprising chromatic effect.
Replace raisins with chopped dates or figs if you love more intense flavors.
Notes
The croquettes are tastier if you use flavored sausage (such as boscaiola). For a lighter mixture, you can use steamed potatoes instead of boiled ones.
FAQ – Potato Croquettes with Sausage and Spinach with Pepper Cream
Can I prepare the croquettes in advance?
Yes, you can store them raw in the fridge for 24 hours or freeze them before cooking.
Can they be made without sausage?
Of course! You can replace it with mashed legumes (such as chickpeas or lentils) or cheese cubes for a vegetarian version.
Is the pepper cream spicy?
No, but if you like a bit of kick, you can add a pinch of chili pepper.
If you love rustic but creative dishes, these croquettes are a must-try! Easy to make, perfect for impressing at the table with something different. Try them too and tell me how you personalized them!
