Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of Serra da Estrela cheese, grated
- 1 cup of ham, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
3. Add the grated Serra da Estrela cheese, chopped ham, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the ham is evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm.
5. Once the mixture is firm, shape it into small croquettes.
6. In a bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
7. Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
8. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
9. Fry the croquettes in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
10. Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. Serve the croquettes hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 2 hours
- Cooking time: 2-3 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 croquettes
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per croquette
- Total fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Serra da Estrela cheese can be substituted with any other soft cheese, such as brie or camembert.
- Ham can be substituted with cooked bacon or prosciutto.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese and meat for different flavor combinations.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is completely cooled and firm before shaping it into croquettes.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture for even-sized croquettes.
- Fry the croquettes in small batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
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 toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or grated cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve with a light salad or vegetable side dish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too soft, add more flour to thicken it.
- If the croquettes are falling apart during frying, make sure they are coated well with egg and breadcrumbs.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the cheese and ham are cooked to a safe temperature before adding them to the mixture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Food history:
- Croquettes originated in France in the 19th century and were traditionally made with leftover meat or fish.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy and cheesy with a salty and savory flavor from the ham.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Portuguese