Chorizo Croquettes

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) chorizo, finely chopped 200g (7 oz) chorizo, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chorizo and cook until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked chorizo, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. 5.
   Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into small croquettes using your hands. Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat again in breadcrumbs.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the croquettes in batches until they turn golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chorizo Croquettes hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a tapas spread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Use a high-quality chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a sweet or mild chorizo variety.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for a crunchier texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the croquettes ahead of time, you can freeze them after shaping and breading. Just thaw them before frying.
• Serve the croquettes with a tangy aioli or a spicy tomato sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of chorizo, such as smoked or spicy, to customize the flavor of your croquettes.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chorizo with finely chopped mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a flavorful twist.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the croquettes to ensure a crispy exterior.

Serving advice

Serve the Chorizo Croquettes as an appetizer or tapas dish. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so serve them immediately after frying.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chorizo Croquettes on a platter or wooden board. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve with a side of dipping sauce and lemon wedges for an attractive presentation.