Spanish Ham Croquettes – A Classic Taste of Spain

Serves 4 | Prep 15m | Cook 20m

Few dishes capture the essence of Spanish cuisine like croquetas de jamón. Crispy on the outside, creamy and indulgent on the inside, these golden bites are a celebration of flavour and tradition. Made with finely chopped Serrano ham, rich béchamel sauce and a hint of nutmeg, each croquette offers a perfect balance of savoury depth and silky texture.

Ingredients

- 500ml milk
- 60g butter
- 125g Serrano ham, diced
- 85g plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 150g panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for deep-frying
- Salt and white pepper
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Method

Place the milk into a pan and add the freshly grated nutmeg. Heat the milk to a simmer.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a separate good-sized, sturdy pan until it foams.
Add the diced Serrano ham and fry for 3 minutes. Add the flour to the butter and Serrano to make a roux and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring continuously until smooth.
Add the hot milk, a little at a time, until it has formed a smooth, thick paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased tray to cool, covering the surface with cling film so that it doesn't form a skin. When it is cold, shape the mixture into 50g croquetas.
Dust the croquetas in flour, then roll the croquetas in the beaten egg mixture, making sure you allow any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the croquetas in the breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil for deep-frying to 165°C and deep-fry until golden and hot all the way through; about 5 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper Devour!

Chefs Notes

1. Use high-quality cured ham for an authentic taste. 2. Cook the béchamel slowly to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling. 3. Chill the croquettes before frying to achieve that golden, perfectly crisp exterior. Serve hot, accompanied by a light salad or a drizzle of alioli, for a truly elevated experience. With this recipe, you can bring the heart of Spanish tapas to your own table, impressing guests with every bite.

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