Discover where they make the best ham croquette in the world

Croquettes are one of the most valued delicacies in our gastronomy and it is even said that it is known 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 preclude the existence of a competition that is responsible for finding and honor the best ham croquette in the world. And why ham? She 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 awarding what has been the perfect croquette. Do you want to know which has been the winner of this year?

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The best croquette in the world is prepared in this city

Several journalists and culinary critics have traveled the country in search of the places where they prepare the best ham croquettes in the world, of which they have chosen ** six finalists to compete in the Joselito International Championship **, which this year has celebrated its fourth contest. This contest is part of the Madrid Fusión congress, which is now in its sixteenth edition.

The winner this year has been chef Miguel Carretero, from the Santerra restaurant, local located in Madrid. Carretero, in addition to winning the delicious title of preparing the best ham croquette in the world, has brought as a reward a “Joselito Vintage” ham, a piece of 10 years of curing and value incalculable.

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 evaluation was chaired by José Gómez, businessman and sponsor of Joselito hams. He was 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 those in charge of carrying out a blind tasting of the different croquettes, in which they first tried the béchamel sauce 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 at our tables

Despite being a typical dish of our gastronomy, surprisingly it is not of Spanish origin. According to the master of ceremonies of 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 made with ham or not, is contested among bars and restaurants in our lands.