Prep Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- dash of ground pepper
- 1/2 cup very finely hand-minced ham
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten with 2 teaspoons water
- bread crumbs for coating
- olive oil for frying
Preparation:
Serves about 6 as an appetizer.
Make sure that the ham if very finely minced, so it can be mixed thoroughly with the dough.
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk and the chicken broth, a little salt, nutmeg and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
Add the minced ham and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring often, until the sauce reaches the boiling point. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Allow to cool, then refrigerate at least 3 hours until mixture is cold. If you are preparing a day or so ahead, you can cover the mixture tightly and keep refrigerated until you are ready to fry the croquettes.
TIP: If the mixture is spread out in a thin layer on a flat dish, you will need to refrigerate it for less time.
Form and Fry the Croquettes
Pour the bread crumbs into a small, wide bowl. Beat the eggs with water in a small, wide bowl. Cover your hands in flour, then divide the mixture into 1-inch balls and set on a plate so that they are not touching.
Pour enough olive oil in a medium to large frying pan to cover 1/2 inch deep. Heat the olive oil for frying to about 355F degrees. Dip the croquettes in the beaten egg and coat with crumbs by rolling in bowl. Place the croquettes in the hot oil and fry quickly, turning several times, until golden. Remove the croquettes with a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Serve immediately.
If you are not going to serve immediately, you may place the croquettes in a warm oven (200 degrees) for up to 30 minutes.
If you prefer, you can use a deep-fryer to fry the croquettes. Be sure not to over-cook them!
Variation
If you want variety or simply do not eat ham, substitute 1/2 cup finely minced, cooked chicken for the ham.
