Ham Croquettes (Croquetas De Papas Y Jamon)

Submitted by PanNan

"A popular Cuban appetizer to be eaten hot and fresh. Be sure to allow time for the chilling steps. It's important to the success of the dish."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Yields: 12-24 croquettes

ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 cup onion, minced fine
• 1⁄3 cup flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk, at room temperature (more or less)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 2 cups smoked ham, ground
• 2 cups potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs (more or less)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)
• 2 eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs (mixed with 1/4 cup flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

directions

1. Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucepan; add the onions and sauté on medium-low heat until translucent. Whisk in sherry and chives. Add ground ham. Let simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat, add mashed potatoes and blend completely. Taste and season with pepper and a little salt if necessary. The ham probably has enough salt already. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour.
2. TIP: The mixture needs to be firm enough to form into rolls. If the mixture is too soft or sticky, mix in some bread crumbs.
3. Beat the eggs with water in a mixing bowl until frothy. Combine the bread crumbs and flour in a second bowl with salt and pepper. Shape the ham/potato mixture into logs about 3/4 inch thick and 3 inches long. Dip the logs in the egg wash and roll them in the seasoned bread crumbs. Dip a second time and roll again in bread crumbs until they are completely covered.
4. IMPORTANT: Place the logs in a lightly greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. (You may also freeze for later use, or use the freezer to quickly chill them.).
5. In a large frying pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover half the croqueta at a time. Heat the oil to the frying stage -- about 360 to 375 degrees F. Sauté a few croquetas at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.