Adding two ingredients to croquettes creates a Christmas Eve hit

Croquettes filled with buckwheat and cheese are an excellent addition to both a Christmas Eve spread and a family lunch. The filling is so scrumptious that you could enjoy it straight from the spoon.

The primary filling that comes to mind when we speak of croquettes is a mix of cabbage, mushrooms, and meat. However, my take includes an unusual but appetizing medley of smoked curd cheese and buckwheat. This preparation is a hit with my loved ones, and anyone who tries it even once will undoubtedly ask for the recipe. I urge you to try combining curd and groats at home, and you'll see that they make an impeccable pair.

Smoked curd cheese is an intriguing cross between classic curd cheese and oscypek. While it works wonderfully as a sandwich topping, it is also a fitting ingredient for the croquette filling. For a more substantial meal, I like to add fried bacon to the mix. However, skipping this step offers a leaner version of the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of buckwheat,
• 10.5 oz smoked curd cheese,
• 1 onion,
• 3.5 oz bacon (optional),
• Salt and pepper to taste,
• Pancakes.

Method of preparation:

1. Pour two cups of water into a pot and add the buckwheat. Cook it covered on low heat, stirring occasionally until the buckwheat turns soft. If you have broth or chicken soup on hand, you can use that in place of water. This substitution makes the buckwheat even more flavorful.
2. Dice the onion and bacon (if using) and sauté them in a pan.
3. Place the smoked curd cheese in a bowl and break it down using your fingers or a fork.
4. Add the sautéed bacon and onion to the bowl and mix well.
5. Now season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Freshly ground seasonings work best.

Spread portions of the filling onto cooked pancakes, forming them into croquettes.

Dip the prepared croquettes in beaten egg and breadcrumbs before frying them in a pan. And voilà, your croquettes are ready to be savored. Bon appetit!