Croquettes are one of the most valued delicacies in our gastronomy and it is even said that one knows if someone is a good cook by the execution of this dish. Despite this, there are many ways to prepare it, so it could be said that each croquette is unique.
However, this does not mean that there is no contest to find and honor the best ham croquette in the world And why ham? It is the favorite in Spain. And this, in turn, is one of the countries where this dish is best prepared.Did anyone doubt it?
For this reason, on the last day of the Madrid Fusión gastronomic congress, a jury of experts is in charge of rewarding what has been the perfect croquette. Do you want to know which one has been the winner this year?
The best croquette in the world is prepared in this city
Several journalists and culinary critics have traveled the country in search of places where they prepare the best ham croquettes in the world, from which they have chosen six finalists to compete in the Joselito International Championship , which this year has held its fourth contest. This contest is part of the Madrid Fusión congress, which is now in its sixteenth edition.
This year's winner was chef Miguel Carretero, from the Santerra restaurant, located in Madrid. Carretero, in addition to winning the delicious title of preparing the best ham croquette in the world, has been rewarded with a “Joselito Vintage” ham, a piece of incalculable value that has been cured for 10 years.
Although the level was high and it was difficult to choose the best one, apparently the decision was made unanimously. The jury in charge of the assessment was chaired by José Gómez, businessman and sponsor of Joselito hams. They were joined by the critic Isaac Agüero, the chefs Clara Villalón and Juan Antonio Medina, as well as the journalists Sonia Andrino and Pepe Ribagorda.
They were in charge of carrying out a blind tasting of the different croquettes, in which they first tasted the béchamel and then went on to taste the finished croquettes. To choose the best ham croquette in the world, they had to take into account aspects such as presentation, texture, flavor, aroma or the integration of the ingredients.
A traditional dish on our tables
Despite being a typical dish of our gastronomy, surprisingly it is not of Spanish originAs reported by the master of ceremonies for this year's contest, the presenter Goyo González, we must not forget that the croquette was invented in the French court, back in the 18th century. A royal butler of Louis XIV was the first to create this delicacy as we know it today.
It would still be many years before they reached our kitchens, since they did not become popular in Spain until the end of the 19th century. Of course: once they arrived, they came to stay. Spain is today one of the greatest exponents of this food, and it is an essential dish on our tables, turned into a gastronomic icon
That is why it is not surprising that the title of the best croquettes in the world, whether they are ham or not, is disputed between bars and restaurants in our lands.