Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Jamón Ibérico
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, whisking constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes very thick.
5. Stir in the chopped Jamón Ibérico and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Once the mixture has cooled, use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small balls of the mixture.
8. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs until coated.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F.
10. Fry the croquetas in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croquetas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Serve the croquetas hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 croquetas, serving size may vary.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 240mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Jamón Ibérico can be substituted with any other type of ham or bacon.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Add diced onions or garlic to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is completely cooled before forming into balls to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the croquetas are the same size.
- Double coat the croquetas in the egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Storage instructions:
- Store the croquetas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the croquetas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the croquetas on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of Spanish red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquetas are falling apart during frying, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature to prevent the croquetas from becoming greasy.
Food history:
- Croquetas are a popular Spanish tapa that originated in France in the 19th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The croquetas have a creamy and savory flavor with a crispy exterior.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the croquetas as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Spanish