Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped ham
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Large plate
- Paper towels
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Deep-fryer or large pot
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
5. Add the ham, chicken, and Parmesan cheese, and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a large plate and let it cool for 30 minutes.
7. Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into small croquettes.
8. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
9. Place the bread crumbs on a large plate.
10. Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the bread crumbs.
11. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 375°F.
12. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
13. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 croquettes
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the ham and chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat.
- You can use any type of cheese instead of Parmesan.
Variations:
- You can add chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the croquette mixture.
- You can add chopped vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the croquette mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the croquette mixture is completely cooled before shaping it into croquettes.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Don't overcrowd the deep-fryer or pot, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy croquettes.
Storage instructions:
- Store the croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the croquettes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the croquettes on a platter with a dipping sauce, such as aioli or salsa.
- Garnish the croquettes with chopped herbs or grated cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve the croquettes as an appetizer with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the croquettes with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquette mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs.
- If the croquettes are falling apart during frying, make sure they are coated in enough bread crumbs.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the croquette mixture is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Croquettes originated in France in the 19th century and were traditionally made with leftover meat or fish.
Flavor profiles:
- The croquettes have a creamy, savory flavor with a crispy bread crumb coating.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the croquettes as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Spanish