High Protein Spanish Croquetas

Elevate your tapas game with these High Protein Spanish Croquetas, a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food! Packed with shredded chicken breast and protein-rich red lentils, these irresistible bites seamlessly combine creamy béchamel with bold spices like ground nutmeg for a savory depth of flavor. Each croqueta is delicately coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried to crispy perfection, delivering a deliciously crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the velvety filling. Ideal as a shareable snack, a light meal, or a party appetizer, these protein-packed croquetas are a nutritious and satisfying option for any occasion. Serve them warm with a fresh side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate Spanish-inspired treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams Cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 100 grams Cooked red lentils
• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 400 milliliters Low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 2 large Eggs
• 150 grams Breadcrumbs
• 500 milliliters Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the flour to the pan and stir continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a paste and slightly changes color.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to form a smooth, thick béchamel sauce.

Step 4

Season the béchamel with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until it thickens further.

Step 5

Remove the béchamel from heat and fold in the shredded chicken and cooked red lentils until evenly combined.

Step 6

Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet or shallow dish and let it cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 7

Once firm, shape the mixture into small oval or cylindrical croquetas, about 2 inches in length.

Step 8

In one bowl, beat the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.

Step 9

Dip each croqueta into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat completely. Repeat this process for all croquetas.

Step 10

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep saucepan to 180°C (350°F).

Step 11

Fry the croquetas in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 12

Remove the croquetas with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 13

Serve the croquetas warm, as a tapa or with a side salad for a protein-packed meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1532.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6142.5

Total Fat 575.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 575.8mg	0%
Sodium 5500.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 31.3g
Protein 122.4g	0%

Vitamin D 252.4IU	0%
Calcium 686.0mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 1073.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.0%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 11.3%