Spanish Croquetas
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Spanish Croquetas, the ultimate comfort-food tapas that combine creamy béchamel sauce with finely chopped ham, delicately seasoned with nutmeg, white pepper, and salt. These bite-sized delights boast a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating achieved through expert frying, creating a satisfying contrast to the velvety interior. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these croquetas are a true testament to Spanish culinary tradition and are a hit at gatherings or casual dinners. With simple ingredients like milk, flour, and butter, paired with robust cooking techniques, this recipe transforms ordinary components into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Discover how to make these traditional Spanish treats and bring the flavors of Spain straight to your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons white pepper
- 1 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter has melted.
Add the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden brown.
Gradually add in the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps, and cook until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper according to your taste.
Stir in the finely chopped cooked ham and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Once the mixture is firm, shape the béchamel and ham mixture into small logs, about 2 inches long.
Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl, and place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
Dip each croqueta first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the croquetas in small batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Remove the croquetas with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Serve hot and enjoy this classic Spanish tapa.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
829 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.2 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 848 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.3 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 248 mg | 5% | |
*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.
