Croquetas, or croquettes, originate with French peasants who first created them as a way to use leftovers. The breaded and fried treats, shaped like logs or rounds, became part of Spanish cuisine in the 1800s and are popular appetizers—or tapas—in the country today. Arriving in Cuba through Spanish explorers, recipes for croquetas reached the United States through Cuban and other European immigrants. The dish can now be found throughout the world. Commonly made with ham, spinach, fish, and chicken, croquetas can contain a wide variety of additional ingredients.
Recipe Servings: 6
Prep Time
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 Tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup flour
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ham, finely minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten with 2 tsp water
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 bottle Spanish olive oil, as needed for frying
Directions
- Heat olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes.
- Still stirring, gradually add in milk and chicken broth.
- Add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce has become thick and smooth, up to 30 minutes.
- Add the minced ham and stir, cooking about 2–3 minutes over low heat.
- Remove from heat and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes, then refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Using two small, wide bowls, place the breadcrumbs in one and the eggs beaten with water in another.
- Working with floured hands, divide and shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch around. Place the balls on a plate, avoiding touching.
- In large frying pan add ½ inch of oil, and heat to about 355°.
- Dip each of the shaped croquettes into first the beaten egg and then the breadcrumbs, rolling to completely coat.
- Quickly fry in hot oil, turning several times, until golden.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately, or keep warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes.
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.