The Iberian ham croquette is a classic that never goes out of style. Its irresistible combination of flavor and texture makes it one of the most beloved tapas in Spanish cuisine. But what makes this croquette so special? At César Nieto, we will reveal the secrets of the perfect Iberian ham croquette recipe, ideal for enjoying on any occasion.
Why are Iberian ham croquettes so irresistible?
The secret to a good ham croquette lies in the main ingredient: Iberian ham. You can find excellent quality Iberian ham at César Nieto, which brings a deep, aromatic flavor that transforms the croquettes into a gourmet experience.
Unlike other types of croquettes, the Iberian ham croquette has a rich, comforting taste, thanks to the curing process that intensifies the aroma and flavor of the meat. The combination of this high-quality ham with a well-prepared béchamel sauce makes each croquette an explosion of flavor and texture.
The perfect Iberian ham croquette recipe: step by step
Here is a recipe for Iberian ham croquettes so you can prepare the best homemade croquettes, full of flavor and with a perfect texture.
Ingredients
- 100 g of Iberian ham (we recommend the one from César Nieto)
- 500 ml of whole milk
- 50 g of butter
- 50 g of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Beaten egg and breadcrumbs for coating
- Abundant olive oil for frying
Preparation
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until golden, then gradually add the milk while continuing to stir.
- Add the Iberian ham: Once the béchamel is thickened, stir in the finely chopped Iberian ham, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture over low heat until the béchamel is well combined and the ham releases its aroma.
- Cool the mixture: Pour the mixture into a dish and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming on the surface. Let it cool in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial to ensure the croquettes keep their shape when cooking.
- Shape the croquettes: Take small portions of the mixture and shape each one into a croquette. Then, dip each croquette in beaten egg and breadcrumbs to coat the exterior and create a crispy layer.
- Fry the croquettes: In a pan with plenty of hot olive oil, fry the croquettes until golden brown. For the best results, make sure the oil is not too cold, as this can cause the croquettes to absorb excess oil. Once fried, place them on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Tips for perfect Iberian ham croquettes
Cook the béchamel over low heat and without rushing. This will give you a smooth, homogeneous texture that wraps the Iberian ham in every bite. Always use fine breadcrumbs so the exterior is crispy and the inside remains creamy. Excess oil can ruin the texture of the croquettes, so be sure to fry them at the right temperature and drain them on absorbent paper.
Quality Iberian ham: an essential ingredient
Iberian ham is key to making your croquettes exceptional. At César Nieto’s online store, you can find a wide selection of high-quality hams that will give your recipes an unmatched, authentic flavor. Choosing well-cured Iberian ham with guaranteed provenance ensures that each bite of your croquettes will be a true gastronomic delight.
Making Iberian ham croquettes at home is an experience worth having. Not only will you enjoy a classic dish, but you’ll also savor the quality of good Iberian ham in every bite. Try this Iberian ham croquette recipe and surprise your guests with this Spanish culinary delight!
