To make croquetas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked ham, chicken or seafood, diced
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
To prepare the croquetas, start by making the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the diced ham, chicken or seafood. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool.
Once the mixture has cooled, use your hands to form small balls, around the size of a walnut. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then roll them in the breadcrumbs to coat.
Fill a deep pan with vegetable oil, to a depth of about 3 cm, and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the croquetas, a few at a time, and fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquetas from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve the croquetas immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as aioli or alioli sauce.
In conclusion, croquetas are a delicious Spanish dish that is perfect for any occasion. You can make them with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. They’re relatively easy to make and it’s a great way to entertain family and friends. They are a great way to get a taste of Spanish cuisine in your own home, enjoy them as a snack or as an appetizer and they’re also perfect for picnics or parties.