Spanish Jamón Croquetas
There’s a good reasn why Spanish Jamon croquetas are amongst the most treasured little bites in the country. They’re absolutely addictive! Creamy, salty and crunchy – the perfect tapas bite! Learn how to make them at home for your next Spanish feast.
When I think of Spanish Jamón Croquetas, I’m transported back to my childhood, to the 70s. For some unexplained reason they have an old fashioned air. I think maybe back then Spanish food became ‘the thing’ and dinner parties became more and more adventurous. Croquetas or Croquettes were seen as the height of sophistication and culinary daring. My mother made them to impress her Friday night girls’ nights, but while they drank all the wine, I would invariably cook and eat most of them. Nothing has changed, I still ‘test’ a few to ensure they’re OK before anyone else gets a look in.
Jamón croquetas old fashioned? No way José!
As times moved on, outside of Spain, croquetas seemed to get left in the breadcrumbs and lumped in with beef wellington, prawn cocktail and crepe suzette as a bit old hat and fussy. In my opinion, this old fashioned moniker is completely unfair – croquetas are utterly divine! Intense little nuggets of Spanish ham in a creamy, decadent interior, surrounded by crunchy deep fried exterior. What is not to completely love about that!?
In Spain they’re a national treasure and are served at every tapas bar in all manner of experimental form. My favourite, and the most classic is jamón ham. The Spanish cousin to Italy’s Prosciutto. Spanish ham in itself is one of my most favourite things to eat in its own right. Reaching dizzying expense, jamón can be out of a lot of people’s budget – but I say go for the cheaper varieties like Serrano, they still impart a tonne of flavour to each fried nugget. Unless you’re a gazillionaire, don’t use the Jamón Iberico – that’s best on its own with a giant glass of Tempranillo.
Jamón Croquetas with Smoked Alioli – a perfect pairing.
There are some dishes that just belong together. I can’t eat a croqueta without dunking it in my homemade smoked alioli. Alioli is the Spanish version of mediterranean Aoli or simply garlic mayonnaise to be straightforward. My version features another quintessential Spanish ingredient – smoked paprika. The powder from smoked and dried red peppers. It comes in two varieties: sweet and hot – you can use either, but I tend to use the sweet for my alioli. It’s a perfect balance to the ham infused croqueta. I wouldn’t even consider eating croquetas without a garlic mayonnaise of some kind.
Learn about Spanish Tapas – Small plates, big flavours.
So, it’s time to resurrect a Spanish favourite and a wonderful addition to any Spanish Tapas dinner party. Next time you want to visit Spain at home, make sure Jamón Croquetas are on the menu.
More Delicious fried recipes
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 2 cloves
- 8 black peppercorns
- 1 shallot (peeled)
- 1 parsley stalk
- 1 bay leaf
- 4½ oz flour (plain/all purpose)
- 2 oz unsalted butter
- 3.5 oz Spanish jamon (very finely chopped)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 4½ oz breadcrumbs (fine or course)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a saucepan, add the cloves, peppercorns, shallot and bay leaf. Bring to a light simmer over a moderate heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the proscuitto. Cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring constantly then remove from the heat.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over a moderate heat. Stir in the flour to create a crumbly texture. Cook, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat Then pour in half the ham/milk mixture. Stir well. Pour in the remaining mixture and stir again. Spoon the sticky mixture onto a plate and smooth out. Leave to completely cool.
- Arrange 2 shallow bowls, one with the beaten egg, the next with the breadcrumbs. Take a small golf ball sized piece of the ham mixture and mould into a croquette shape. Dip into the egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs. Arrange on a plate as you contnue, using up all of the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan until hot. Drop in 4-5 croquetas and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot or cold.
- The perfect tapas dish eaten either hot or cold. They can also be made in advance and warmed in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Did you make my Spanish Jamón Croquetas?
How did you go? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to tag @cookeatworld at Instagram.
I love the recipe! Ham croquettes are always a good idea, and everyine loves it. Have you tried cooking them with iberian ham? Its a delicacy. Congrats for the recipe.
Thank you!
I can never bring myself to cook with Iberico ham – too busy stuffing it into my mouth in slices!! :)
No way! I thought I was the only one, I always end up eating all ham before even adding it to the dish. Last time my mom bought some fancy ham from Spain and I tried to make some ravioli with ham and cheese… I couldn’t help it… Ohh, my mom got angry btw
I will secretly take slices and eat them in a quiet place where nobody can see! Glad I’m not alone!