Ingredients
Speedy tomato sauce
Method
1.Melt butter in a saucepan, add onion and ham; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat; gradually whisk in milk. Return to heat; cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. Simmer, stirring, for 1 minute; stir in cheese, paprika and parsley.
2.Pour mixture into a shallow dish. Cover, chill for 2 hours or until cold.
3.Using two dessert spoons, shape tablespoon measures of mixture into small ovals. Dip croquettes in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Place croquettes on a tray lined with plastic wrap or baking paper. Cover; chill for 1 hour.
4.Meanwhile, make Speedy Tomato sauce (see below).
5.Fill a large saucepan one-third full with oil; heat to 180°C (or until a cube of bread turns golden in 15 seconds). Deep-fry the croquettes, in batches, for 2 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned. Drain on paper towel. Serve with tomato sauce.
Speedy tomato sauce
6.Heat oil in a pan; cook onion, stirring, for 10 minutes or until soft but not coloured. Add garlic and chilli; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. Season to taste.
Recipe can be made to the end of step 4 up to 1 day ahead.
Note