Croquetas de Jamon

Croquetas de Jamon are often served as tapas, croquetas are a favorite throughout Spain.
We use jamon serrano in almost all our food now, and it is particularly tasty in these hot tapas.

Ingredients for Croquetas de Jamon:

• 2 eggs, beaten with a little water.
• 4 tbs. flour.
• A pinch of smoked paprika.
• 3 tbs. olive oil.
• salt and pepper.
• 1 cup of milk.
• 1/2 pound of jamón serrano, diced.
• 1/2 onion, minced.
• 2 cups of bread crumbs.
• olive oil for frying

Preparation Instructions for Croquetas de Jamon:

1. To start making Croquetas de Jamon, first heat the oil in a pan and sauté minced unions until transparent.
2. Stir in the flour and cook it briefly, then whisk in the milk.
3. Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Stir in the jamon and spread the mixture into a dish. Refrigerate until solid.
6. Place the beaten eggs in one dish, the bread crumbs in another.
7. With moistened hands, form the chilled mixture into balls or cylinders.
8. Dip each of the Croquetas de Jamon first in bread crumbs, then in beaten egg, then in bread crumbs again, taking care that they are well covered.
9. Allow the Croquetas de Jamon to cool for 30 minutes.
10. Heat oil in a deep fryer and fry the Croquetas de Jamon, a few at a time, until golden - about 3 minutes

Serve Croquetas de Jamon hot with other tapas. They are perfect with your favorite beer.