Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large heavy-bottomed pot for frying
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the milk, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens, whisking constantly.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture and stir until melted.
7. Pour the milk mixture over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.
9. Once cooled, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
10. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumbs to coat.
11. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
12. Working in batches, fry the croquetas until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
13. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the croquetas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 croquetas, serving size is 2-3 croquetas per person.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 240
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork or ground turkey. Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
Add chopped ham or chorizo to the beef mixture for a different flavor. You can also add chopped olives or raisins for a sweet and savory twist.
Tips and tricks:
Make sure the croquetas are evenly coated in breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy texture. You can also freeze the croquetas before frying for an easy make-ahead appetizer.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover croquetas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat croquetas in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the croquetas on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as aioli, chimichurri, or salsa.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of rice and beans or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the croquetas are falling apart while frying, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Croquetas are a popular appetizer in Cuban cuisine, typically made with a mixture of ground beef, ham, or chicken.
Flavor profiles:
The croquetas have a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the ground beef and cayenne pepper, with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the croquetas as an appetizer or as part of a tapas spread.
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Region: Spanish