Ham croquettes or “croquetas de jamón” are a beloved Spanish delicacy, perfect for any occasion.
These creamy and crispy delights are made with Spanish ham, leeks, and milk, coated with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. They exude rich, flavorful tastes and have a satisfying texture, sure to impress guests.
Discover the art of crafting the perfect “croquetas de jamón” with our step-by-step guide, complete with pro tips and tricks. Delight in exploring variations of this classic recipe and learn our expert storage and reheating tips to indulge in these delights anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Croquetas de jamón can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack and are often paired with a dipping sauce.
- Variations of croquetas de jamón can include different ingredients such as cheese, seafood, or vegetables.
- Proper storage and reheating are essential to keep the croquetas de jamón fresh and crispy.
HOW TO MAKE CROQUETAS DE JAMÓN
Materials
- Cutting board
- Knives
- Pot
- Slotted spoon
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 200 gr. Spanish ham in cubes
- 100 gr. all-purpose flour
- 600 ml. milk
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Steps
1 — In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the leek and garlic until translucent.
2 — Add the ham and cook for a couple of minutes.
3 — Add the flour and cook for a couple more minutes.
4 — Add the milk and stir until thoroughly combined. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
5 — Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
6 — Transfer the mixture to a paper-lined baking tray and spread it into a rectangle – it should be around ½ inch thick. Cover it with a wrap so it doesn’t dry.
7 — Refrigerate for 1 hour or until it hardens.
8 — Cut the mixture into rectangles (¾ inch x 1 ½ inches).
9 — Cover each rectangle in the flour, then in the eggs, and lastly in the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to form them into a cylinder.
10 — Heat the oil to 180ºC and fry them until golden brown on each side.
11 — Transfer to kitchen towels to remove excess grease and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Croquetas de jamón are versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you get the most out of this delicious dish:
- Appetizer: Croquetas de jamón make an excellent appetizer for any occasion. Serve them with a dipping sauce, such as aioli or tomato sauce, and watch them disappear.
- Main course: Croquetas de jamón can also be served as a main course. Pair them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
- Snack: Croquetas de jamón make a great snack any time of the day. Serve them with a cold beer or wine for a satisfying snack.
- As part of a tapas spread: Croquetas de jamón are a classic tapas dish and can be served as part of a more extensive spread of tapas. Pair them with classic tapas dishes, such as patatas bravas or gambas al ajillo, for a truly authentic Spanish experience.
- With a twist: For a fun twist on the classic croquetas de jamón, add different ingredients to the filling. Some popular options include cheese, mushrooms, or spinach.
No matter how you serve them, croquetas de jamón will surely be a hit with anyone who tries them.
STORAGE AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
The exotic dish “Croquetas de Jamón” is best enjoyed piping hot and straight out of the oven. Having some left over? Here are some tips on preserving and warming up this delicacy:
Storage:
To store your croquetas de jamón for up to three days, refrigerate them in an airtight container. Prevent merging by placing a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap in between. These handy tips ensure your delectable croquettes stay fresh and tasty at your disposal.
Reheating:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the croquetas de jamón on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, microwaving your meal for 30-60 seconds provides a quick, convenient option. However, remember that this might affect the crispiness level and lead to sogginess.
Note: Croquetas de jamón are best when served fresh and hot but can still be enjoyed as leftovers with proper storage and reheating.
VARIATIONS OF CROQUETAS DE JAMÓN
Here are some variations of croquetas de jamón that you can try:
- Croquetas de jamón y queso: Add grated cheese such as manchego or cheddar to the mixture for an extra cheesy twist on the classic recipe.
- Croquetas de jamón y gambas: Add chopped cooked shrimp to the mixture for a seafood twist on the classic recipe.
- Croquetas de jamón serrano: Use jamón serrano instead of Spanish ham for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Croquetas de jamón y setas: Add sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for an earthy and savory twist on the classic recipe.
- Croquetas de jamón y patatas: Add mashed potatoes to the mixture for a creamy and comforting twist on the classic recipe.
These variations can be made by following the same basic recipe for croquetas de jamón but adding additional ingredients before shaping and frying the croquettes. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor!
TIPS AND NOTES
Here are some tips and notes to keep in mind when making croquetas de jamón:
- Use high-quality Spanish ham for the best flavor and texture. Look for a ham that is thinly sliced and has a good amount of fat marbling.
- Be patient when cooking ham, leeks, flour, and milk. It needs to cook for at least 10 minutes to thicken appropriately and develop a rich flavor.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour before shaping and frying the croquettes. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart in the hot oil.
- Cut the mixture into rectangles before coating them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This will make it easier to shape them into cylinders.
- Use your hands to shape the croquettes into cylinders, and coat them thoroughly in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for the best results.
- Heat the oil to 180°C and fry the croquettes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Serve the croquetas de jamón hot with a side of aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
Overall, croquetas de jamón are a delicious and satisfying snack that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine or simply looking for a tasty appetizer to share, these crispy and flavorful croquettes will surely hit the spot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use other types of ham instead of Spanish ham?
Although Spanish ham is the customary choice for this recipe, one can opt for other types, such as prosciutto or cooked ham.
Can I make the croquettes ahead of time and reheat them later?
Of course! Do you want a helpful tip to make things easier? Prepare the croquettes in advance and bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until they become crispy and warm. Your taste buds will surely appreciate it!
Can I freeze the croquettes?
Certainly! You can freeze croquettes before frying them. First, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Next, transfer the now-firm croquettes to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and fry them as directed.
Wrapping Up…
In conclusion, this croquetas de jamón recipe is an ideal introduction to Spanish cuisine. The simple list of ingredients and easily understandable instructions make this crispy and creamy dish attainable for all.
The recipe encompasses tips and tricks for spicing up the dish as well as its storage and reheating instructions for those looking to enjoy it at a later time. Whether serving it as an appetizer, main course, or snack, these croquetas de jamón are sure to impress your guests and satisfy the most sophisticated of palates.
If you love this Spanish cuisine, you might also enjoy exploring different recipes for Spanish tortillas. Check out this collection of 20 Delicious Spanish Tortilla Recipes.
Croquetas de Jamón Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knives
- Pot
- Slotted spoon
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 leek finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 200 g Spanish ham cubes
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 600 ml milk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Nutrition
Instructions
- In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the leek and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ham and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the flour and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Add the milk and stir until thoroughly combined. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a paper-lined baking tray and spread it into a rectangle – it should be around ½ inch thick. Cover it with a wrap so it doesn’t dry.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until it hardens.
- Cut the mixture into rectangles (¾ inch x 1 ½ inches).
- Cover each rectangle in the flour, then in the eggs, and lastly in the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to form them into a cylinder.
- Heat the oil to 180ºC and fry them until golden brown on each side.
- Transfer to kitchen towels to remove excess grease and serve.
