Ham croquettes are a classic appetizer or main dish of Spanish cuisine. They are prepared with a ham bechamel, which is rolled in a flour and egg dough and then fried until golden.
These croquettes are delicious and easy to prepare. They are an excellent option for a casual meal or a party.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 beaten eggs
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add the milk little by little, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add the ham, salt and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Form balls with the ham mixture.
- Pass the balls through the breadcrumbs, then through the beaten eggs and again through the breadcrumbs.
- Fry the croquettes in hot olive oil until golden.
- Serve hot.
Tips:
- For the best result, use good quality serrano ham.
- Do not thicken the béchamel too much, or the croquettes will be tough.
- Don't leave the croquettes in the hot oil for too long, or they will burn.
Culinary terms explained:
- Bechamel: Sauce made with butter, flour and milk.
- Roll up: Shape into a cylinder.
- Batter: Cover a food with a layer of flour, egg and breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Cook in hot oil.
Variants:
- You can add 1/4 cup of grated cheese to the ham mixture.
- You can replace the ham with any other ingredient, such as cheese, chicken or vegetables.