Potato croquettes are a beloved dish with a long and varied history, popular across many cultures, including Hungary. In Hungary, potato croquettes often appear as a tasty side dish accompanying hearty meals like roasts or stews. They feature crispy golden exteriors with soft, flavorful mashed potato centers, making them a comfort food classic.
The history of potato croquettes can be traced back to the broader family of croquettes, which originated in France. The word croquette itself comes from the French verb croquer, meaning “to crunch.” The first recorded croquette recipe appeared in 1691 during the reign of King Louis XIV, prepared by his chef. The dish gained more formal recognition in the late 1800s, when French chef Auguste Escoffier, known as the father of classical French cuisine, documented a more structured recipe for croquettes.
Although croquettes initially featured various fillings such as meat or béchamel, potato croquettes became popular as a more accessible and versatile variant. The spread of croquettes across Europe led to regional adaptations, including the potato-filled variety. In Belgium and the Netherlands, for example, they are a common side dish or street food, while in Spain, croquettes might include ingredients like ham or cheese.
Potato croquettes likely grew in popularity due to their simplicity, affordability, and comforting texture, becoming a staple side dish in countries like Hungary, where they often accompany rich meat dishes.

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