Looking for a delicious and filling dinner option that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than 1 Portion Spam Croquettes With Tomato Sauce, which contains 369 calories. These savory croquettes are the perfect combination of crispy and creamy, and the tangy tomato sauce adds the perfect punch of flavor.

In addition to being tasty, Spam croquettes are also a good source of protein, with each portion providing 16 grams. They're also relatively low in carbohydrates, with just 23 grams per serving, making them a good option for those watching their carb intake.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about making, serving and enjoying this delicious and versatile dish.

What Are Portion Spam Croquettes?

Spam croquettes are a classic dish made with canned Spam, bread crumbs, eggs, and other ingredients that are shaped into rounds or patties, coated in bread crumbs, and fried until they are crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a tangy tomato-based sauce that complements their savory flavor. While Spam croquettes were originally popularized by wartime rationing, they remain a popular dish today due to their affordability, versatility, and delicious flavor. Whether you're looking for a tasty snack, a hearty dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, Spam croquettes are sure to hit the spot.

The Nutritional Profile Of Portion Spam Croquettes

One portion of Spam croquettes contains about 369 calories, with 16 grams of protein and 23 grams of carbohydrates. They also contain 24 grams of fat, so this is something to keep in mind if you're watching your fat intake. That being said, Spam croquettes are also a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and vitamin C. As with any dish, it's important to balance your portion sizes and eat Spam croquettes in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.

A Look at The Caloric Content of Spam Croquettes in Tomato Sauce

One portion of Spam croquettes with tomato sauce contains about 369 calories, as mentioned earlier. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the type and amount of bread crumbs used, the size of the croquettes and the amount of sauce used. If you're looking to reduce the calorie count of your Spam croquettes, you may want to consider baking them instead of frying them or using a low-calorie tomato sauce recipe.

Ingredients Commonly Used In Making Spam Croquettes

The key ingredients in Spam croquettes are canned Spam, bread crumbs, eggs, and milk. However, you can also experiment with different seasonings, vegetables, and binding agents to create your own unique recipe. Some popular add-ins include chopped onions, garlic, parsley, and grated cheese. When it comes to the tomato sauce, you'll need canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few dried spices like oregano and basil. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Make Your Own Spam Croquettes With Tomato Sauce

To make Spam croquettes, you'll need to start by mixing together canned Spam, bread crumbs, eggs, and milk in a bowl. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into rounds or patties. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the croquettes and fry until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. To make the tomato sauce, simply saute chopped onions and garlic in a bit of oil, then add canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and spices. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, then serve alongside the croquettes.

Seasonings and Spices That Go Well With Spam Croquettes

While Spam croquettes are delicious on their own, they can also be seasoned to your taste by adding spices like paprika, cumin or chili powder. Alternatively, you can experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to add a fresh, aromatic note to your croquettes. When it comes to the tomato sauce, you'll want to stick to the classic flavors of oregano, basil, and garlic. However, you can give the sauce a spicy kick by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

The Important Role of Tomato Sauce in The Spam Croquette Recipe

The tomato sauce is an essential component of the Spam croquette recipe, as it helps to balance out the savory and salty flavors of the canned meat. It also adds a tangy note and a touch of sweetness that complements the creaminess of the croquettes. When making the sauce, you'll want to keep it relatively simple to avoid overwhelming the croquettes. Stick to canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and add a few dried herbs to give it depth of flavor.

Alternatives to Tomato Sauce When Serving Spam Croquettes

While tomato sauce is the classic accompaniment for Spam croquettes, you can also experiment with other sauces to add variety and interest to your dish. Some popular alternatives include garlic mayo, aioli, hot sauce or even gravy. You can also serve Spam croquettes with a side of rice, steamed vegetables or a green salad to make the dish more filling and nutritious.

Pairing Suggestions that Complement Spam Croquettes in Tomato Sauce

Spam croquettes with tomato sauce pair well with a light and refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, you can also enjoy them with a cold beer like an IPA or a crisp lager. For dessert, consider serving a light and fruity option like sorbet or fresh fruit salad.

Healthy Substitutions to Make Your Spam Croquettes More Nutritious

If you're looking to make your Spam croquettes a bit healthier, you can try using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of white, or adding some chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the mixture. You can also bake the croquettes instead of frying them to reduce the fat content. For the tomato sauce, you can reduce the amount of salt and sugar by using fresh herbs and spices to add flavor instead. You can also experiment with different types of canned tomatoes like fire-roasted or diced with green chilies to add variety and interest to the dish.