Name: Buckwheat and Mushroom Croquettes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: For the Croquettes:; 1 cup buckwheat groats (uncooked, will yield 3 cups cooked); ½ lb white button mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 medium carrot, grated on large holes; 2 large eggs, divided; 1 tablespoon semolina flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¾ cup plain bread crumbs; Light olive oil for sautéing

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These Buckwheat and Mushroom Croquettes are a flavorful and crispy vegetarian appetizer, packed with earthy mushrooms, grated carrot, and hearty buckwheat. Coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried to golden perfection, they make an ideal snack or side dish. Whether served with a dipping sauce or on their own, these croquettes are sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These croquettes are a great way to enjoy the nutty flavor of buckwheat combined with the savory depth of mushrooms and vegetables. The crispy, golden crust provides the perfect contrast to the soft, flavorful filling inside. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and dipping sauces. These croquettes are a satisfying, healthy, and delicious treat for any occasion!

Buckwheat and Mushroom Croquettes

Ingredients

1 cup buckwheat groats (uncooked, will yield 3 cups cooked)
½ lb white button mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, grated on large holes
2 large eggs, divided
1 tablespoon semolina flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup plain bread crumbs
Light olive oil for sautéing

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Buckwheat:

Cook the buckwheat with ½ teaspoon of salt according to your preferred method (check the easy method on NatashasKitchen.com for details).
Once cooked, transfer the warm buckwheat to a food processor or blender and pulse until ground.
Transfer the ground buckwheat to a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and grated carrot, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
Transfer the vegetable mixture to the food processor and pulse until finely minced.
Add the vegetable mixture to the mixing bowl with the buckwheat.

Combine the Mixture:

To the buckwheat and vegetable mixture, add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon semolina flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper (or adjust to taste). Stir well to combine.
If the mixture seems too dry to mold into patties, add a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.

Form the Croquettes:

Wet your hands and form the mixture into flattened patties, about the size of an egg.

Bread the Croquettes:

Crack 1 egg into a small bowl and beat it with a fork.
In a second bowl, add the bread crumbs.
Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, turning to coat, then roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated.
Place the breaded croquettes on a cutting board.

Cook the Croquettes:

Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large deep pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot (the croquette should sizzle when added), arrange the croquettes in the pan.
Sauté for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown, for a total of 6 minutes.
If your skillet is smaller, cook the croquettes in batches, adding oil as needed.

Serve:

Serve the croquettes warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy yogurt dip, tomato salsa, or aioli.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 13 to 14 croquettes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add Cheese: Add a little shredded cheese (like parmesan or cheddar) to the croquette mixture for a cheesy filling.
Herbs and Spices: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mixture for more flavor.
Make them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your semolina flour is also gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the croquettes before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked croquettes, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To cook frozen croquettes, simply fry them straight from the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat cooked croquettes, place them on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different grain instead of buckwheat?

Yes, you can substitute the buckwheat with quinoa, couscous, or even rice, although the texture will differ slightly.

2. Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the croquettes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

3. Can I make these croquettes in advance?

Yes, you can make the croquettes ahead of time. Prepare and bread the croquettes, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen diced carrots and mushrooms if fresh ones are unavailable. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the mixture.

5. How do I know when the croquettes are cooked through?

The croquettes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure they are cooked through, you can check the interior by cutting one in half—it should be warm and firm.

Conclusion

Buckwheat and Mushroom Croquettes are a delicious and healthy vegetarian appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of buckwheat, mushrooms, and vegetables creates a satisfying, flavorful filling, while the crispy breadcrumb coating adds the perfect crunch. Whether served as a starter or a snack, these croquettes will impress your guests and leave them wanting more!