Gluten-FREE Vegan Eggplant Croquettes

Since two members of our household have decided to go gluten-free (as well as being vegan), we will be featuring gluten-free recipes a lot more often, perhaps even all the time, from now on. As always, the recipes will be full of flavor and wholesome vegan goodness! These croquettes are crunchy but absolutely scrumptious and very easy to prepare!

1 medium eggplant, peeled and sliced finely and then chopped into small pieces
1 tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 stalk celery, finely sliced
1/3 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup sweet red pepper (could be Bell pepper), seeded and finely chopped
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. sweet paprika powder
1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
4 Tbsp. cornstarch or Arrowroot (your choice)
Salt to taste
Olive oil
Water

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients with just a little bit of water. Begin with less than half a cup of water, adding as needed to have a mixture you can
shape into croquettes, but avoiding a runny mixture. Heat up a skillet with olive oil, take large tablespoonfuls of the mixture and drop into the skillet,
pressing down, to form the croquettes. Wait till it sets to flip over. Cook till golden brown on both sides.

Yield: Serves 4.

Encouraging Promises!