Croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes)

Croquetas de jamón are the most popular Spanish tapa: crisp breading around a silky ham béchamel. The key at home is a very thick béchamel and thorough chilling. They can be prepared ahead and frozen too.

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Method

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1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and soften the onion for 4-5 minutes. Add the ham and cook for 1-2 minutes. ⏱ Timer: 4 min
2. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warm milk while stirring, so there are no lumps. ⏱ Timer: 2 min
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes, until you have a very thick béchamel that pulls away from the pan. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. ⏱ Timer: 10 min
4. Pour the béchamel into a dish lined with plastic wrap, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours until completely firm. ⏱ Timer: 3 h
5. With wet hands or two teaspoons, shape the cold mixture into small cylinders. Roll them in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra protection, repeat the egg and crumb coating.
6. Heat the oil to 180 °C and fry the croquettes in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. ⏱ Timer: 2 min

A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.

Tips

• The béchamel must be very thick, so it holds its shape after chilling.
• A double breading keeps them from bursting in the oil.
• Freeze them, and fry from frozen for 3-4 minutes.
• Also good with chicken, fish, mushrooms or cheese.

Frequently asked questions

Why did the croquettes burst?

The béchamel was not thick enough, did not chill enough, or the oil was not hot enough.

Can they be baked?

Brushed with oil at 220 °C for 15-18 minutes, but they will not be as crisp.

Similar recipes

• Croque-madame · French
• Croque-monsieur · French
• Béchamel Cutlets with Ham · Hungarian
• Cone-Shaped Croquettes · Hungarian
• Ham Cutlets · Hungarian
• Cake salé (savoury ham and olive loaf) · French

More spanish & portuguese ideas

• Pork and Beef Meatballs in Almond Sauce
• Meatballs in Saffron Sauce
• Stuffed Artichokes
• Crusty rice (arroz con costra)
• Roast Leg of Pork
• Goat Offal in Garlic Wine
• Cod My Way
• Cod with mussels

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