Croquettes are a versatile staple in everyday cooking, allowing us to get creative and use a variety of ingredients. Kids love them, and they’re an excellent way to sneak in vegetables and other ingredients that they might otherwise refuse to eat. Additionally, croquettes are a great way to repurpose leftovers, such as roasted chicken breast, rice, mashed potatoes, spinach, or countless other ingredients, to create a fantastic dish. Today’s recipe features easy-to-make ham and cheese...
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Boil the eggs in water for 10 minutes. Let them cool, peel them, cut them into eighths (like orange wedges), and set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion into small cubes (brunoise).
Melt the margarine in a saucepan, add the onion, and sauté for 5 minutes over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Add the flour, stir, and let it lightly brown. Then, pour in the hot milk gradually while stirring continuously.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Add the chopped ham and grated cheese, mixing until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous dough.
Coat the egg wedges in the bechamel mixture, ensuring they are well covered. Let them cool and set, forming croquettes around the egg pieces.
Once cooled and firm, dip the croquettes in beaten egg and then coat them in breadcrumbs.
Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan. Fry the croquettes in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and prevent them from bursting.
Fry until golden brown.
Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the croquettes from absorbing too much oil.
Let the bechamel mixture cool completely before forming the croquettes to make handling easier.
Fry the croquettes in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, but they may not be as crispy as fried croquettes.
Can I make the croquettes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the croquettes for up to 24 hours before frying.
What oil is best for frying croquettes?
Sunflower oil or olive oil works well for frying croquettes.
Can I freeze the croquettes?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked croquettes. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frying.
