
These vegetable croquettes transform ordinary broccoli and carrots into irresistible crispy bites. The contrast between the crunchy breadcrumb coating and tender vegetable filling, paired with cool yogurt sauce, creates a perfectly balanced vegetarian dish that even vegetable skeptics will love.
This recipe was developed as a creative solution for serving vegetables in an appealing new way. The golden-brown croquettes paired with fresh yogurt sauce quickly became a family favorite.
Key Ingredients
- Broccoli (500g) - Steam until tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly to prevent soggy croquettes
- Carrots (200g) - Finely grated for texture and natural sweetness
- Parmesan (70g) - Use aged 24-month cheese for maximum flavor
- Breadcrumbs (70g) - Japanese panko creates exceptional crispiness, but homemade works well too
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1.
- Preparing the Vegetables
Season vegetables during cooking. Steam broccoli until tender but still green, then roughly mash while maintaining some texture. Grate carrots for added crunch and color. - 2.
- Mixing the Base
Combine vegetables with grated parmesan and spices in a large bowl. Curry and paprika add warmth and depth. Mix in egg last to bind ingredients. - 3.
- Shaping the Croquettes
With slightly damp hands, form equal-sized croquettes using about one tablespoon of mixture each. Press gently to compact without overly flattening. - 4.
- Breading Technique
Double-coat with breadcrumbs and brush with olive oil before baking for even browning and maximum crispiness.
The yogurt sauce, enhanced with finely diced red onion and fresh lemon juice, provides a refreshing contrast that complements each croquette perfectly.
Presentation
Serve croquettes hot, arranged around a bowl of yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for color and freshness.

Seasonal Variations
Spring version includes fresh peas. Fall variation uses grated pumpkin instead of carrots.
These croquettes demonstrate how simple ingredients can be transformed into something special. They prove that vegetarian cooking can be both creative and satisfying, bringing people together over thoughtfully prepared food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the bites ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep and coat them in breadcrumbs beforehand, then bake them when you're ready to serve.
- → How can I get them extra crispy?
- Make sure the veggies are fully drained and brush the bites generously with oil before baking.
- → Can they be frozen?
- Yes, freeze them raw after breading. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 5-7 minutes to the cook time.
- → What can replace Parmesan?
- You can swap it with grated Gruyère or use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- → How do I stop them from falling apart?
- Ensure the veggies are drained well and add a bit more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.