How to Make Serrano Ham Croquettes at Home Step by Step

Introduction to Serrano Ham Croquettes

Serrano ham croquettes are a Spanish delicacy that wins the hearts and palates of all who try them. Making croquettes at home can seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this delicious appetizer. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make Serrano ham croquettes at home that will delight all your guests.

Necessary Ingredients

To start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready and in the right quantity. Here's a list of what you need to make perfect homemade Serrano ham croquettes.

• 50 g of butter
• 100 g of flour
• 500 ml of milk
• 150 g of Serrano ham
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Step by Step to Prepare Serrano Ham Croquettes

1. Preparation of the Dough

The first step is to prepare the croquette dough, which is essential to achieving the creamy texture that characterizes this dish.

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the flour and stir until a consistent paste forms. This is the time to make the roux, the base of our béchamel.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the Serrano ham, previously chopped into small pieces.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to combine the flavors.

2. Cooling and Shaping

Once the dough is prepared, it is important to let it cool properly before shaping the croquettes.

1. Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. With your hands moistened with a little water or oil, take portions of the dough and shape them into croquettes. You can make them cylindrical or round, whichever you prefer.

3. Battered and Frying

To achieve croquettes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coating is a crucial step.

1. Prepare a dish with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the croquettes first in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.
3. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and fry the croquettes until golden brown on all sides.
4. Remove them from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess fat.

Tips for a Better Result

• Use whole milk for a tastier, creamier batter.
• The ham should be finely chopped so that it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Make sure the oil is hot before frying the croquettes, this will prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
• Try different seasonings and grated cheese for a personal touch.

Conclusion

Making your own Serrano ham croquettes at home is not only a culinary pleasure, but also a way to share a special moment with family or friends. By following these detailed steps, you'll achieve a perfect result that will leave everyone asking for more.

Dare to Cook!

Now that you know how to make Serrano ham croquettes at home, step by step, it's time to get started. Feel free to experiment and share your cooking experiences.