Serrano Ham And Chicken Fritters Croquetas Recipes

SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CROQUETAS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl or in the food processor combine mashed potatoes, cheese, ham and eggs. Season with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should still be wet enough so the bread crumbs stick to the croquettas. Form into croquettas (makes about 2 dozen, medium-sized) and dip into panko bread crumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper. Pat lightly so the crumbs stick. Lay out on a tray, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before frying.
• To fry, heat 1-inch of vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or heavy bottomed pot, over medium heat to about 360 degrees F. Fry in small batches, turning once until evenly browned. Each batch should take approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with kosher salt. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chives and shaved manchego. Serve with Romesco Sauce.
• Toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer almonds to a blender. Add roasted red peppers, egg yolk, garlic, zest, and season with salt and pepper. Pulse a few times to combine the ingredients. With the blender on low speed drizzle in the olive oil. Once it begins to emulsify, stop the blender and add the orange juice, and sherry vinegar. Buzz once more to fully emulsify.
• *RAW EGG WARNING
• Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs. Due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

SERRANO HAM AND CHICKEN FRITTERS ~ CROQUETAS

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a medium saute pan over a medium flame. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent, 5 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour and mix energetically. Cook until the flour is cooked through and it starts to take on a golden color, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour the milk into the flour mixture and cook, stirring continuously, for about 2 minutes, until you have a thick béchamel.
• Add the ham and chicken, and sprinkle in the salt and nutmeg. Cook for another 2 minutes. You should now have a thick mixture that you can mold in your hands. Carefully pick up a bit and try to ball it with your hands. It shouldn't be too sticky. If it does stick to your hands, cook it a little longer.
• Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet and let it cool to room temperature, about 25 minutes.
• Take a spoonful of the cooled béchamel mixture and roll it in your hands to make a small cylinder the size of a wine cork. Roll the cylinder in the remaining 1 cup of flour, then in the eggs, and then in the breadcrumbs. Repeat with all the croquetas.
• In a small, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil to 375°F (190°C) (measured with a candy thermometer). Add the croquetas in small batches, making sure they are covered completely in oil. Fry until they have a nice golden color, about 1 minute; then transfer them to paper towels to drain. Repeat with all the croquetas, and serve hot.

MANCHEGO AND HAM CROQUETAS

Steps:

• Cook the onion and bell pepper in the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat, stirring, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the ham and cook, stirring, 10 more minutes. Add the butter and let melt, then add the smoked paprika and flour and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 1 3/4 cups milk and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the manchego until melted.
• Scatter the gelatin over the remaining 1/4 cup milk in a bowl and set aside, 5 minutes. Whisk the gelatin mixture until smooth, then stir into the cheese mixture. Transfer to a shallow baking dish and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put some flour in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in another bowl and put the breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and form into a football shape. Dredge in the flour, then dip in the eggs and roll in the breadcrumbs. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat to make about 40 croquetas. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the croquetas until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

SERRANO HAM AND CHICKEN CROQUETTES

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
• Whisk in 6 tbsp flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, lower the heat and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, 1-2 minutes. Stir in thyme and nutmeg, then add chicken and ham; season with salt and pepper.
• Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Pour the remaining flour and cornflakes onto separate plates.
• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• Shape heaping tbsp of the chilled meat mixture into 2 by 1 inch cylinders and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Coat each one with flour, dip into eggs, then coat with cornflakes and transfer to baking sheet.
• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the croquettes and fry until golden brown, 2-3 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve hot.