Recipes with acorn-fed Iberian ham, 5 original ideas!
In Spain, when we talk about recipes with Iberian acorn ham, we often imagine it in a delicious sandwich with olive oil or on its own, arranged on a plate with its red, shiny appearance and its cured aroma that says, "Eat me!"
However, there are many more ways to enjoy this delicacy from the famous Mediterranean diet; here, we'll give you some ideas to enjoy!
How to Pair Iberian Acorn Ham
As the star product of Spanish gastronomy, Iberian acorn ham is part of the cuisine of top chefs, like Ferran Adrià, who reinterpreted it in the famous El Bulli restaurant in the 1980s by using liquid nitrogen to create frozen ham fat powder. Other culinary masters followed in his footsteps, resulting in a series of simple dishes that pair perfectly with Iberian acorn ham.
Therefore, keep in mind that, while not closing yourself off to enjoying and experimenting, it's best to respect the product without transforming its essence. "Let's leave experimentation to the chefs!" "No one would think of opening a tin of caviar and mixing it with a kilo of potatoes and a generous dose of mayonnaise!" as Enrique Tomás says.
Recipes with Iberian acorn ham are as abundant as one's imagination and palate: with peas, in salads, with "patatas bravas," in vegetable soups... whether sliced into strips, small cubes, or slivers, Iberian acorn ham enhances and embellishes both the finest and simplest of dishes.
Step-by-Step Recipes with Iberian Acorn Ham
Now that summer is approaching, we're going to give you some refreshing ideas to continue enjoying Iberian Acorn Ham.
Natural Pineapple with Ham
Ingredients
3-4 strips of ham, 2-3 thin slices of fresh pineapple
Instructions
- In a pan, place the ham strips over low heat to brown them for a few seconds, just until they become slightly crispy.
- Plate by alternating a slice of pineapple and a slice of ham. The sweet and salty flavors combine into a delicious bite.
Artichoke Hearts with Ham
Ingredients
500g of artichoke hearts, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of white wine, 1 onion, diced ham
Instructions
- Cook the artichoke hearts with a little water and salt for 15 minutes. Drain well.
- In a pan, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion. When they're golden, add the ham, stir, and add the artichoke hearts.
- When they're nicely browned, add the white wine and let it simmer until it's reduced. Serve and enjoy.
Ham and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Iberian Acorn Ham, herbed cheese, and onion
Instructions
- Mix the cheese with the chopped onion.
- Create balls from the mixture and then cover them with thin slices of ham. Serve immediately.
Iberian Ham and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Medium-sized tomatoes, sliced Iberian ham, and olive oil
Instructions
- Arrange the tomato slices on a plate.
- Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with a few flakes of Maldon salt.
- Place the Iberian ham on top and drizzle with more olive oil and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
Iberian Ham with Aromatic Herbs
Ingredients
Iberian Acorn Ham, white pepper, basil, tarragon, extra virgin olive oil, toasted bread
Instructions
- Lay the Iberian ham slices on a plate, sprinkle with tarragon and basil.
- Add freshly ground white pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Let it marinate in the fridge.
- After toasting the bread until it loses its maximum heat, serve the ham on top of the bread and drizzle with the marination juices.
Enjoy your meal!