Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spain with these *Low Carb Spanish Croquetas*, a delicious, keto-friendly twist on the traditional tapa. Made with smooth cauliflower puree, shredded cheese, and your choice of finely chopped ham or chicken, these croquettes are packed with bold flavor while staying low in carbs. Almond flour and pork rind crumbs create a delightfully crispy coating, while nutmeg and garlic powder add a hint of classic Spanish warmth. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or savory side dish, these golden croquetas are fried to perfection and pair beautifully with garlic aioli or your favorite low-carb dipping sauce. Ready in under an hour, this recipe proves you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine while sticking to your diet!
Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Using a food processor, blend the cauliflower until smooth. Alternatively, mash it thoroughly with a fork to create a paste-like consistency.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the almond flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
Add the cauliflower puree to the saucepan and stir until well combined. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
Stir in the shredded cheese, ham or chicken, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the mixture is cohesive.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool in the fridge for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.
Once the mixture is chilled, divide it into small portions and shape each portion into croquettes or small logs (roughly 2-3 inches in length).
Set up a breading station with the beaten eggs in one bowl and the pork rind crumbs or almond flour in another bowl.
Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat in the pork rind crumbs or almond flour.
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil or avocado oil over medium heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
Fry the croquetas in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve warm as a delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish. Pair with garlic aioli or a low-carb dipping sauce of your choice!
Calories |
3797 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 368.5 g | 472% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.7 g | 388% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 621 mg | 207% | |
| Sodium | 4148 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 105.1 g | 210% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1059 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1468 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.