Crocchè

Crocchè are a delectable Abruzzo dish that is as illustrious as it is scrumptious. Hailing from the central Italian region, they consist of crunchy potato-based fritters, dished up with a dollop of creamy, irresistible tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Crocchè


There's something truly mesmerising about these tantalising morsels. The golden crocchè are crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside - almost melting in your mouth as you savour each mouthful. Combined with the creamy tomato and salty parmesan, it's a sensation like no other.

The origins of this iconic Italian delicacy are steeped in lore. Some believe that it was first created by a peasant in the late 1800s. After discovering a forgotten sack of potatoes in his farmhouse, he decided to mix them with eggs and onions, which he then fried for a delicious and filling snack. Since then, it has become a beloved staple in Abruzzo.

In the kitchen, making crocchè is an art form, requiring a deft and dexterous hand. Getting the right texture requires patience and skill - if you fry them on too low of a heat they won't cook through, while if you raise it too high they'll burn. The secret is to maintain a steady temperature throughout.

On the plate, they make a charming addition to any dinner affair. This time-honoured Abruzzese dish is the perfect combination of comfort and finesse, made all the more rustic and delightful when shared with friends and family over a glass of vino rosso.

Whether fried, baked or pan-fried, crocchè are a taste of Italy in all its glory — and long may they continue to delight and inspire.

Crocchè recipes

Amazing Crocchè recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Crocchè

Crocchè, a classic Italian dish of potato croquettes made with simple ingredients and an unrivaled flavor - but where did it come from?

The exact origin of Crocchè is somewhat shrouded in myth, though some believe it to be a traditional Neapolitan dish. Others contest that claim, noting the lack of written documentation or recipes from the period. Scholarly speculation suggests that its origins may lie further south in Calabria, where potatoes were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

In its essence, the dish itself has been around for centuries, its name deriving from the Latin term “croccare” meaning “to crunch” or “to crush.” The most widely accepted version of the recipe is said to have originated in Naples in the late 19th century and then spread throughout Italy.

The appeal of Crocchè lies in its savory simplicity; mashed potatoes, cheese and parsley are melded together in a fry-ready paste and then fried to golden perfection. Its ubiquity can be attributed to the versatility of its ingredients and its suitability as a snack or side dish.

From its beginnings as a humble peasant dish, Crocchè has since gained immense popularity, becoming a favorite among many celebrated Italian chefs. It has been praised by culinarymasters such as Mario Batali and featured on restaurant menus across the world.

As a testament to its status as a staple of Italian cuisine, Crocchè is also often served as part of a classic antipasto platter, alongside cured meats, cheeses and olives.

No matter its mysterious origins, it's clear that the humble Crocchè will remain a beloved Italian favorite for many years to come.

Types of Crocchè

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious side dish, look no further than the great and varied buffaloes of crocchè. These humble potato cakes have been delighting Italian palates for centuries, and can be found on dinner tables across the country.

Crocchè are a type of potato cake, made primarily with mashed potatoes and eggs. They are usually fried in a pan with oil or butter, and served as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes. There are many variations to the recipe, adding herbs, cheeses and vegetables, leading to a vast array of flavors and textures.

The most basic form of crocchè is known as ‘le classiche’. These crocchè are made using only mashed potatoes, oil, eggs and Parmesan cheese. This recipe has hardly changed over time, and makes for a wonderfully simple yet delightful dish.

Another popular variety is ‘Le Pecorine’, which is made with fresh ricotta cheese, lemon zest and mint. The ricotta gives the crocchè a creamy and velvety texture, while the inclusion of lemon adds a subtle citrusy note to the dish.

The ‘Caccamelle’ version of crocchè is one of the more intricate recipes. It contains many layers of flavor, thanks to the combination of mashed potatoes, herbs, sautéed garlic and chives, anchovy paste and grated pecorino cheese. When served, these crocchè pieces look like miniature nests, hence the name ‘Caccamelle’ meaning ‘little nests’.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to try the ‘Tartufini’ crocchè. As the name suggests, this dish contains truffles. It is best cooked with a mixture of potatoes and mashed black truffles, finished off with parmesan and extra-virgin olive oil. This luxurious twist to the classic crocchè is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

No matter what kind of crocchè you choose, you can guarantee that it will be incredibly delicious. So why not give them a try today and taste the difference for yourself?