Croquettes first appeared in cooking in the 15th century, when European culinary masters were looking for a new way to cook meat. This wonderful dish was designed to utilize leftover meat and give it new forms and flavors. Over time, croquettes became a favorite snack at royal banquets and tables. The secret of croquettes lies in the combination of meat, seasonings, and a crispy crust, creating the perfect balance of taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ham
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and stir for a few minutes until the onion is slightly translucent.
- In a bowl, mix the milk with the flour (add salt and pepper). Mix until there are no lumps. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan and stir. The mixture will thicken quickly, so keep stirring and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent the dough from burning. When the dough is firm enough not to stick to the pan, turn off the heat.
- In a meat grinder, chop the ham. Add it to the dough and mix. Let it stand in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Using two spoons, shape the croquettes.
- Dip the croquette in the beaten eggs. Then sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Heat a frying pan with enough oil to cover the croquettes (or at least half). Fry the croquettes until golden brown.
- Place the finished croquettes on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve the croquettes hot, enjoying their juiciness and crispy crust. They are perfect as a snack or a light treat on any table.