Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 cup of grated São Jorge cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.

2. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

3. Add the diced ham and grated São Jorge cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool.

5. Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into small croquettes.

6. Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip each croquette in the egg and then coat with breadcrumbs.

7. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

8. Fry the croquettes until golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

9. Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

10. Serve hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature for frying: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 12 croquettes.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of São Jorge cheese.
- You can substitute the ham for cooked chicken or turkey.

Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to the mixture for added flavor.
- Add chopped vegetables such as onions or peppers to the mixture for added texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the croquettes are well coated with breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping into croquettes to make it easier to handle.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes from the oil to avoid burning yourself.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the croquettes in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the croquettes on a platter with a dipping sauce such as aioli or marinara sauce.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquettes fall apart during frying, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the croquettes are not crispy enough, increase the oil temperature or fry them for a longer period of time.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ham is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is correct to avoid burning yourself or the croquettes.

Food history:
São Jorge cheese is a traditional cheese from the Azores, a group of islands in Portugal. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk and has a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

Flavor profiles:
The croquettes have a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior with a salty and savory flavor from the ham and São Jorge cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the croquettes as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Related Categories

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Crispy, Savory, Cheesy, Salty, Tangy