Master the Art of Croquetas: A Step-by-Step Recipe with Serrano Ham and MAMBO

Master the Art of Croquetas: A Step-by-Step Recipe with Serrano Ham and MAMBO
Croquetas are a beloved Spanish dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. This recipe combines the rich flavors of serrano ham with the convenience of using a MAMBO multi-cooker to make the process easier and faster. Follow these step-by-step instructions to master the art of making delicious croquetas at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of finely chopped serrano ham
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Preparation:
1. Prepare the béchamel sauce
In a MAMBO multi-cooker, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the serrano ham
Stir in the finely chopped serrano ham into the béchamel sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Chill the mixture
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Shape the croquetas
Once the mixture has chilled, use a spoon to scoop out portions and shape them into small cylinders. Dip each croqueta into the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the croquetas
In a deep fryer or a pan, heat oil to 350°F. Fry the croquetas in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
6. Drain and serve
Once the croquetas are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of serrano ham in every bite.