MANILA, Philippines — Ham and Queso de Bola are two ingredients that you are likely to have plenty of before and after the holidays. Fortunately, they make a perfect pair, too, when used as ingredients for finger foods, sandwiches, soups, salads, even main courses like Chicken Cordon Bleu.
So, how about setting aside a portion of each to make Ham and Queso de Bola Croquettes? This recipe from San Miguel Foods Culinary Center just might come in handy when you want to make crispy croquettes that are cheesy and savory inside. Coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, these bite-sized balls make good contributions to barkada potlucks, family salu-salos, or even a merienda upgrade on a lazy holiday afternoon.
After the holidays, they can also be enjoyed as an appetizer, viand or pica-pica snack.
Ham and Queso de Bola Croquettes
Ingredients:
1/2 kg. potatoes, washed, boiled and mashed
4 pcs. (143 grams) Purefoods Cooked Ham, diced
1 bundle (20 grams) green onions, chopped
3 Magnolia Brown Eggs, 2 eggs beaten together
1/2 tsp. iodized fine salt
1/4 cup pepper
150 grams Magnolia Queso de Bola, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 20 pcs.)
1/2 cup Magnolia All Purpose Flour
1-1/2 cups breadcrumbs
2 cups cooking oil
Procedure:
1. In a bowl, combine potatoes, ham, green onions, 1 whole egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Scoop 2 tbsps. potato mixture, form into a ball, flatten, and place a cheese cube in the center. Then form back into a ball. Repeat process until all potato mixture and cheese cubes are consumed.
3. Roll potato balls in flour, dip in 2 beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Deep-fry croquettes in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown. Drain off excess oil on paper towels.
5. Transfer to a platter. Serve hot.
*Makes 6 servings. (Yields 20 pieces/3 pcs. per serving)
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