These Croquetas de Jam&# 195;³n are the ultimate Spanish tapa, featuring a luxurious, velvety béchamel center packed with savory chopped ham. The key to perfect croquettes is a smooth, thick sauce that cools completely before shaping, ensuring they hold their form during frying. Encased in a delicate layer of beaten egg and fine breadcrumbs, they are fried until deeply golden and crisp. The contrast between the hot, crunchy exterior and the melting, creamy interior is irresistible. Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant starter, these bite-sized delights offer a comforting, rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. They are simple to make but require patience for the best texture.
Croquetas De Jamon (Ham Croquettes
Description
These Croquetas de Jam&# 195;³n are the ultimate Spanish tapa, featuring a luxurious, velvety béchamel center packed with savory chopped ham. The key to perfect croquettes is a smooth, thick sauce that cools completely before shaping, ensuring they hold their form during frying. Encased in a delicate layer of beaten egg and fine breadcrumbs, they are fried until deeply golden and crisp. The contrast between the hot, crunchy exterior and the melting, creamy interior is irresistible. Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant starter, these bite-sized delights offer a comforting, rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. They are simple to make but require patience for the best texture.Ingredients
Directions
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat until it begins to foam.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux, ensuring it does not brown.
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Gradually whisk in the scalded milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth, lump-free paste.
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Stir constantly over low heat until the béchamel coats the back of a spoon and pulls away from the sides.
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Remove from heat and stir in the chopped ham, salt, pepper, nutmeg, lime juice, and parsley.
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Spread the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until completely cool and firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Set up an assembly line with a plate of beaten egg and a plate of fine breadcrumbs.
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Moisten your hands with cold water, take a tablespoon of the chilled mixture, and shape it into a cylinder.
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Dip the cylinder into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll in the breadcrumbs.
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Repeat with the remaining mixture, keeping unused mixture refrigerated to maintain firmness.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375ðF (190ðC).
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Fry croquettes in small batches until golden brown and crisp on all sides, turning occasionally.
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Transfer fried croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 45
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 41.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.6g4%
- Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
- Cholesterol 10.8mg4%
- Sodium 593.2mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.7g
- Protein 3.1g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
