- 250g/9oz ham, picked from a ready-cooked ham shank
- 250g/9oz potatoes, boiled until tender, drained, then mashed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 chilli, finely chopped
- 4 gherkins, finely chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 150g/5oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 free-range eggs, beaten
- 150g/5oz polenta
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 25g/1oz butter, unsalted
- 25g/1oz plain flour
- 200ml/7fl oz whole milk
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ lemon, juice only
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Place the ham, mashed potato, parsley, chilli and gherkins into a bowl and mix to combine well. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- With floured hands, mould small amounts of the mixture into 7.5cm/3in long cylinders.
- Dredge the croquettes in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg and finally dip into the polenta to coat completely.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the croquettes and fry, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden-brown all over. Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
- For the sauce, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, then add the flour. Cook, stirring well, for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Keep adding the milk and cooking until you have a smooth sauce.
- Add the parsley and lemon juice, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To serve, place a few croquettes onto each plate and drizzle with the sauce.