Croquetas de Jamón RECIPE FOR TODAY

Croquetas de Jamón
This a very simple rendition of a fritter that can be embellished and seasoned in a million different ways. Perfect for tapas, I’m sure I’ll get more practice going into the holidays. Before frying, I heated the oil to 375 degrees, the standard temperature in most traditional recipes. Though they came out well, I think I may have had fewer eruptions if I’d lowered the heat slightly (closer to 365 degrees) which I’ll try the next time.

8 ounces cooking ham, cubed
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

2 large eggs, well beaten at room temperature
1 cup dried bread crumbs
Canola oil, for deep frying

Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap and set aside.

Combine ham and mustard in a food processor and pulse until it forms a smooth paste.

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly until well blended but not browned, about 2 minutes.  In the meantime, gently heat the milk to a gentle simmer but do not let it boil.  Gradually stir in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened and is pulling away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Add the pureed ham and mix until well combined.  Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet using a rubber spatula to spread evenly.  Bring to room temperature then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least one hour.

Lay out 1/2 cup of flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs in separate mixing bowls.  Dust hands with flour and spoon the béchamel mixture into walnut sized pieces and roll into desired shape, about one tablespoon per croqueta.  One by one, roll the croquetas in flour, drop into the egg mixture with a fork or slotted spoon, then transfer to bread crumbs.  They should be completely coated in bread crumbs so they don’t leak when cooked.

Add about 3″ of oil to a large heavy skillet.  Heat over medium-high heat to 375°F (see header).  Working in batches, carefully add the croquetas.  Gently turn until brown on all sides, about 2 minutes.  Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or re-purposed grocery paper bags. Serve immediately.

Makes 20-24 croquetas.