Croquetas

Spain

Also known as Croquetas de Jamón

About Croquetas

Croquetas are small Spanish croquettes made from a very thick, creamy béchamel sauce mixed with chopped ham, shaped into little logs, coated in egg and breadcrumbs and fried until golden. The outside is crisp and the inside is soft and almost molten.

The most popular kind is croquetas de jamón, made with cured Spanish ham, but chicken, salt cod, mushroom and blue cheese are also common. The béchamel is cooked slowly and chilled until firm, which makes the mixture easier to shape.

Croquetas are a favorite tapa in bars across Spain and are often made at home from leftovers. Grandmothers' croquetas have a legendary reputation, and many Spanish families have their own treasured recipe.

Ingredients

• ham (jamón)
• milk
• flour
• butter
• onion
• breadcrumbs
• eggs
• oil