Cuban Ham Croquettes — one of the most cherished delicacies from the Cuban cuisine. It is a beautiful dish, offering drooling flavors and taste. An essential part of celebrations, weddings, or special occasions in Cuban culture. These croquettes are deep-fried snacks filled with ham, cheese and flavorful spices, and are absolutely perfect for any evening or fun dinner. In this article, we are going to explore the authentic Cuban ham croquette recipe and the best flavors you can add!
Why are Cuban ham Croquettes so popular?
Cuban croquettes are unique snacks that are rich in flavor and contain a rich and creamy filling with ham, cheese and other spices. In Cuba, ham croquettes are considered an important part of their culture, family, and festivities.
It is a dish for special occasions, used in birthday parties, wedding celebrations, holidays, and as part of the traditional Cuban Christmas meal alongside other dishes like rice, beans, and roasted pig. And it’s not hard to figure out why!
The ingredients in the recipe are combined and mixed in such a way that the croquettes are filled with a rich and thick-textured center and are Full of flavor. The cover is made of breadcrumbs and flour, providing a crunchy layer outside and hitting every bite. So, the croquettes are indeed a mouth-watering choice.
How To Make Authentic Cuban Ham Croquettes Recipe?
The recipe for Cuban ham croquettes is quite simple and easy to follow and does not require any for any complicated ingredients or techniques. To prepare the perfect Cuban ham croquettes, you will need:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of melted butter
- 2 tbsp of onion, finely chopped
- ¾ cup of grated Edam cheese
- 2 cups of ham, chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper, for taste
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
The first step is to make the Bechamel sauce. Start by melting the butter in a medium-size saucepan over low heat; When the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the flour and stir for 2-3 minutes and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, until the sauce thickens.
Then add the Edam cheese and stir until it has melted. Add the chopped ham and black pepper and salt to taste and mix well. Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes. When the sauce has cooled, you can beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Stirring it very well.
How To Form and Fry the Cuban Ham Croquettes
Once you have prepared the mixture of the sauce, it is time to form and fry the croquettes. Start by putting the breadcrumbs in a deep plate. Take 1 tbsp of the mixture and form the croquettes using the palms of your hands. Then roll the croquettes in the breadcrumbs, so that the entire surface is covered.
Once this step is over, it is time to fry the croquettes. Add 1 cup of oil to a frying pan and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the croquettes and fry until golden. Be sure to turn the croquettes over, so that each side is well-browned and crunchy.
When the croquettes are cooked, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. The Cuban ham croquettes are ready to have as a snack or a great addition to your favorite meal!
What Flavors Can Be Added to Cuban Ham Croquettes?
When it comes to flavors, the possibilities for Cuban ham croquettes are endless. You can add a variety of ingredients to the mixture in order to enhance the flavor of the croquettes.
For example, you can add grated Parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic powder or crushed chili pepper as a way to bring a nice and spicy kick. You can also add some curry or cumin powder with the onion in order to add even more flavor to the croquettes.
In the end, it is all a matter of personal preference. Whatever you prefer, Cuban ham croquettes will always be absolutely delicious!
Cuban ham Croquettes are one of the most cherished dishes from the Cuban cuisine and a must-have in all top Cuban families’ festivals or gatherings. It’s rich and thick filling makes them an ideal snack for any time of the day. With our easy-to-follow recipe and ideas for additional flavors, you can truly enjoy and savor this wonderful dish and make it your own!
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