Spanish Croquetas De Jamon Serrano

Submitted by Raquel Grinnell

"Often served as tapas, croquetas are a favorite throughout Spain. I use jamón serrano in almost all my food now, and it is particularly tasty in these hot tapas. Serve hot with other tapas. Also perfect with your favorite beer. Prep time includes chilling time."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 45mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 16-24 croquetas
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 2 eggs, beaten with a little water
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch paprika (Spanish Pimenton n de la Vera)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1⁄2 lb ham, diced (jamon n serrano)
• 1⁄2 onion, minced
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• olive oil (for frying)

directions

1. Heat the oil in a pan and saute minced onions until transparent. Stir in the flour and cook it briefly, then whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir in the jamon and spread the mixture into a dish. Refrigerate until solid.
2. Place the beaten eggs in one dish, the bread crumbs in another. With moistened hands, form the chilled mixture into balls or cylinders. Dip each croqueta first in bread crumbs, then in beaten egg, then in bread crumbs again, taking care that they are well covered. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in deep fryer and fry the coquetas a few at a time, until golden, about 3 minutes.