The Croquette Day
If there is a genuinely Spanish delicacy in the heart of every food lover, that is croquettes (croquetas). A food of uncertain origin that cannot be missing from any “tapas diet”, in any place of Spain.
The verb “croquetear” should be included in the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy) to refer to when one craves croquettes and decides to search for them in all the bars of the city.
Some people say that this food has its origins in the Middle Ages, some others believe that is even older, but the most interesting fact is that its recipe hasn’t changed over time. All croquettes have the same béchamel base and are coated in double breadcrumbs (which is the secret of the recipe). In fact, two types of breadcrumbs are used: a thin one, that is sometimes replaced by flour, and a thick one, which is what gives croquettes their crunchy touch.
Croquettes are the “Goya” of home cooking. There is no grandmother who doesn’t cook croquettes and no bar that doesn’t have them in the menu. Croquettes with boletus, ham, chicken, spinach or black pudding are the most common ones, although the most typical are those with cod and stew; a classic of grandma’s cooking.
The best taste of croquette is always a controversial issue, as recently oxtail croquettes have gradually replaced the classic cod or stew ones. However, croquettes should never lose their oval shape, leaving circular croquettes for more elaborate cuisine. Long live irregular croquettes!
If you haven’t tried croquettes, any day now it’s a good time to make amends for that mistake that has prevented you from tasting one of the best of Spanish delicacy. Be a “croquette lover” and share our passion for one of the most popular Spanish foods, that is within everyone’s grasp!
To make your experience with croquettes as enjoyable as possible, we have chosen some of the “temples of the croquette” so that you can “croquetear” nicely. All these places are close to the Spanish language school, so you can easily reach them when you crave a good croquette. Also, don’t forget to have it with a vermouth or a glass of red wine.
Rodamón. Located in Calle Sueca. You should try the ham and boletus croquettes with one of the good vermouths from its varied menu. http://elrodamon.com/
Croquetea. Continuing along Calle Sueca, we can pop in this place, specialising in all kinds of croquettes that suit everyone’s taste. https://www.croquetea.com/
Los Madriles. Located in the heart of Avenida Reino de Valencia, this place offer croquettes as one of its specialities. https://www.losmadrilestaberna.es/
Mercado Central. If you are in the heart of Valencia, you can visit the Central Bar or Croqueta y Presumida, that offer avant-garde and fusion croquettes, suitable for the most refined palates.
