Sluttishly Savoury: Potato, Cheese & Ham Croquettes

Cold mashed potato is a substance that I keenly abuse. Bubble and squeak — potato cakes — fishcakes — hell, even just fried mashed potato on its own is good. 

If you want to make something altogether more elegant - try croquettes. Children like them, adults like them, everyone likes them. They've got that nursery style comfort factor, but look like proper authentic tapas, especially if you serve them with aioli.

Mashed Potato Croquettes (serves 2 hungry people as a snack or starter)

Preparation Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 10 mins

You will need: 

• 200g leftover cold mashed potato
• 100g ham, cubed
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• a handful strong cheddar, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• a handful plain flour
• a handful of breadcrumbs
• oil for frying

For the aioli: 

• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• smoked paprika
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced

Make it!

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato, ham, spring onions and cheese with lots of salt and pepper.
2. Make ping pong ball sized pieces and then mould them into little sausage shapes with your hands. 
3. Dip them in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs and reshape again if you need to. 
4. Shallow fry in hot oil until golden, turning with tongs. 
5. For the aioli, just mix the ingredients together!