Cuban Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)

Cuban Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)

Bring the flavors of Cuba to your kitchen with this delightful appetizer, Cuban Ham Croquettes. These savory bites, known as Croquetas de Jamón in Spanish, consist of a creamy ham and vegetable mixture that's chilled, shaped, breaded, and fried to perfection. Perfect for any gathering!

Ingredients

🥄 1 lb Minced Ham
🧅 1 Small Onion, diced
🌶️ 1/2 Roasted Red Pepper, diced
🍞 2 cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs
🧂 1 tsp Complete Seasoning
🌿 1 tsp Dried Parsley
🍷 1 tsp Dry Cooking Wine
🧂 1 pinch Salt
🥛 1 cup Whole Milk
🌾 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
🥚 2 Eggs, beaten
🧄 1-2 tsp Minced Garlic
🧈 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter
🫒 Small amount of Olive Oil

Instructions

1- Prepare the Mixture:

• Melt unsalted butter with a little olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and roasted red pepper. Cook until the onion softens.
• Stir in minced garlic, complete seasoning, parsley, dry cooking wine, and a pinch of salt. Cook until fragrant.
• Add the all-purpose flour, stirring well to eliminate the raw flour taste, forming a thick paste.
• Gradually add whole milk, stirring constantly to create a thick, creamy paste.
• Mix in minced ham, ensuring a thick consistency. Adjust salt as needed after tasting.

2- Chill the Mixture:

• Evenly spread the ham mixture onto a shallow baking dish or sheet pan.
• Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight until firm.

3- Shape and Bread the Croquettes:

• Divide the firm ham mixture into individual portions, shaping each into elongated, cigar-like forms.
• Set up a breading station with shallow dishes: beaten eggs and seasoned breadcrumbs, and a plate for breaded croquettes.
• Lightly oil your hands. Coat each croquette in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. Place on a plate.
• Optional: Refrigerate breaded croquettes briefly for better breading adherence.

4- Fry the Croquettes:

• Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high. Ensure oil depth is sufficient for half-submerging croquettes.
• Using tongs, place croquettes in hot oil without overcrowding.
• Fry until golden brown, turning as needed. The filling is pre-cooked, so focus on browning the exterior.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: A few minutes per batch
Chilling Time: 3–4 hours or overnight
Total Time: Up to 5 hours or overnight
Servings: Approximately 18 croquettes
Equipment: Non-Stick Frying Pan, Wooden Spatula, Ceramic Small Bowls, Glass Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoons, Glass Baking Dish/Sheet Pan, Metal Tongs, White Plate, Glass Oil Dispenser

Cooking Tips

• Use unsalted butter to manage overall saltiness.
• Stir continuously while adding milk to avoid lumps.
• Ensure the ham mixture is thoroughly chilled before shaping.
• Lightly oil hands while shaping to prevent sticking.

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Luli's Cuban Kitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@LulisCubanKitchen

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Cuban Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)