Best 2 Potato Ham And Piquillo Pepper Croquetas Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Spanish cuisine with our delectable Potato, Ham, and Piquillo Pepper Croquetas recipe. These crispy and creamy croquetas are a harmonious blend of mashed potatoes, savory ham, and the vibrant smokiness of piquillo peppers. Dipped in a rich béchamel sauce and coated with golden breadcrumbs, these croquettes are a delightful appetizer or side dish that will captivate your taste buds.

Accompanying this star recipe are two additional croqueta variations that offer equally enticing flavor combinations. The Spinach and Goat Cheese Croquetas introduce a delightful vegetarian option, combining the earthy notes of spinach with creamy goat cheese and a tangy tomato sauce. For those who prefer seafood, the Shrimp and Avocado Croquetas offer a refreshing twist, featuring succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon mayonnaise.

All three croqueta recipes are culinary journeys that showcase the versatility and richness of Spanish cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these recipes provide a detailed guide, ensuring your croquetas turn out perfectly golden and irresistible.

Let's cook with our recipes!

POTATO, HAM AND PIQUILLO PEPPER CROQUETAS

Potato, Ham and Piquillo Pepper Croquetas image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 36 croquetas

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
2 1/4 cups plain bread crumbs
2 ounces serrano ham (about a half-cup), diced small
1/2 cup piquillo or roasted red pepper, diced small
5 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, ham, pepper, 1 egg, the yolk, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, paprika (if using) and salt. Mix well.
Place remaining 4 eggs in a wide, shallow bowl and beat lightly. Place remaining 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs in a second bowl and flour in a third. Season bread crumbs with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Taking about 2 tablespoons of croquetas mixture at a time, form into 3-inch fingers. Dip each finger first in flour, tapping off excess. Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then bread crumbs. Transfer each finger to a large baking sheet. When you have finished forming all croquetas, cover tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
When ready to fry, heat 1/4-inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry croquetas in batches, turning once, until dark golden all over, 2 to 3 minutes a side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plates and sprinkle with additional salt, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 127, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 174 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

POTATO, HAM AND PIQUILLO PEPPER CROQUETAS

POTATO, HAM AND PIQUILLO PEPPER CROQUETAS image

Yield 3 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
2 1/4 cups plain bread crumbs
2 ounces serrano ham (about a half-cup), diced small
1/2 cup piquillo or roasted red pepper, diced small
5 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying.

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, ham, pepper, 1 egg, the yolk, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, paprika (if using) and salt. Mix well. 2. Place remaining 4 eggs in a wide, shallow bowl and beat lightly. Place remaining 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs in a second bowl and flour in a third. Season bread crumbs with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. 3. Taking about 2 tablespoons of croquetas mixture at a time, form into 3-inch fingers. Dip each finger first in flour, tapping off excess. Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then bread crumbs. Transfer each finger to a large baking sheet. When you have finished forming all croquetas, cover tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours. 4. When ready to fry, heat 1/4-inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry croquetas in batches, turning once, until dark golden all over, 2 to 3 minutes a side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plates and sprinkle with additional salt, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips:

Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold, as they hold their shape well and become creamy when mashed.
Cook the potatoes properly: Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, but not overcooked. Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and won't hold their shape in the croquetas.
Mash the potatoes smoothly: Use a potato ricer or food mill to get a smooth, lump-free mash. Lumpy potatoes will make the croquetas gritty.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your croquetas will taste. Opt for flavorful ham, piquillo peppers, and Manchego cheese.
Season the croquetas well: Don't be afraid to season the croquetas liberally. They should be flavorful both inside and out.
Chill the croquetas before frying: This will help them hold their shape better in the hot oil.
Fry the croquetas in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop the croquetas in. This will help them cook evenly and get a nice crispy coating.
Serve the croquetas hot: Croquetas are best enjoyed hot out of the fryer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Potato, ham, and piquillo pepper croquetas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you are sure to enjoy this recipe. So next time you are looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, give these croquetas a try!