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Ham Croquetas

Spanish · Dinner · Medium

Ham Croquetas

Total
3 hr 5 min
Prep
2 hr 30 min
Serves
6
Calories
300
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A crisp crumb shell gives way to creamy ham-and-leek filling, chilled until firm enough to shape and fried in small batches.

Thick bechamel is the center of Ham Croquetas, with finely diced cured ham seasoning the milk. The filling must pull away from the pan before it cools; that firmness is what lets it survive frying.

Chill the mixture thoroughly and seal every surface with egg and crumbs. A small uncoated patch can let the creamy middle escape into the hot oil.

CreamyCrispySavoryPartyMake AheadNut-free

Method

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook leek for until soft, then ham for . Stir in the filling flour and cook for .

  2. Gradually whisk in vegetable stock and milk. Add nutmeg and black pepper and cook for , stirring, until very thick and the mixture pulls away from the sides.

  3. Spread in a shallow dish, cool for , then cover and refrigerate for until firm. Shape into 18 small logs.

  4. Dust with coating flour, dip in beaten egg and coat completely with breadcrumbs. Chill for .

  5. Heat sunflower oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), keeping the pot no more than one-third full. Fry in three batches for each until golden, with the coating set and filling hot. Drain on a rack; serve three per portion.

Forkue tips

  • Taste the cooked filling before adding any salt; cured ham can season the whole batch on its own.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate cooked croquetas for 3 days and reheat at 400°F (200°C). Freeze uncooked breaded croquetas for 1 month; thaw in the fridge before frying.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

300Calories
10gProtein
28gCarbs
16gFat

Ham Croquetas: FAQ

Why did my croquetas burst?

The filling may have been too loose, the coating incomplete or the oil too cool. Cook the bechamel until firm and seal the crumbs evenly.

Can I use ordinary cooked ham?

Yes. Dice it finely and taste the filling for salt, since cooked ham is usually less salty than Serrano.

How do I store and reheat Ham Croquetas?

Refrigerate cooked croquetas for 3 days and reheat at 400°F (200°C). Freeze uncooked breaded croquetas for 1 month; thaw in the fridge before frying.

How long does Ham Croquetas take?

About 3 hr 5 min in total: 2 hr 30 min prep and 35 min cooking.

What do I need to make Ham Croquetas?

The key ingredients are all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, leek, serrano ham and all-purpose flour, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Ham Croquetas?

Taste the cooked filling before adding any salt; cured ham can season the whole batch on its own.

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