Partridge and Cheese Croquettes
Croquetas de Perdiz y Queso
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Kosher or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Generous amount of freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 partridge or 2 quail boned, skinned, and meat finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped Serrano Spanish cured mountain ham or prosciutto
- 2 thin slices mild cheese such as Spanish Tetilla or Fontina, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- Bread crumbs for dredging
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the milk and chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add the finely chopped partridge (or quail), Serrano ham, cheese, and parsley.
- Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, stirring occasionally to release steam.
- Spread the mixture out on a dinner plate and let it cool completely.
- Refrigerate until firm enough to handle.
- With floured hands, shape the partridge mixture into ½-inch balls.
- Place the eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Heat at least ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or use a deep fryer set at 365°F) until it turns a cube of bread light brown in 60 seconds.
- Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, dredge in the bread crumbs, and place in the hot oil.
- Cook the croquettes, turning several times, until they become golden.
- Transfer the fried croquettes with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
These partridge and cheese croquettes offer a delightful combination of flavors and make for an elegant tapa. Enjoy the rich taste of game meat complemented by the mildness of cheese!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70 kcal