What to Serve with Jamón Serrano: Ideas for Summer!
Summer is just around the corner, but although jamón serrano is enjoyed all year round, it is always useful to have a few ideas at hand for putting together a selection of snacks and sharing dishes when the heat sets in. Of course, jamón will be a must in all our recommendations and, in fact, it will be the star of the show. So stop wondering what to serve with jamón serrano and take note of Enrique Tomás' tips... let's get started!
How to Pair Jamón Serrano
In almost every household across the Iberian Peninsula, you will find a good leg of jamón or, at the very least, a few slices in the fridge. And while it is true that you never really need an excuse to enjoy a slice, sometimes you may find yourself wondering what to serve with jamón serrano. Well, the most important thing is that the jamón itself is a good one, because if it is not, it does not matter what you serve it with. That is why at Enrique Tomás we have a motto:
“The best jamón is not the most expensive, but the one you like the most.”
And when it comes to taste, everyone has their own preferences — and their favourite types of jamón!
On a Plate
If you want to enjoy all the nuances of the jamón's flavour, the ideal option is to serve the slices of jamón serrano on a flat plate. It does not matter how you arrange them, but if you want to create an attractive presentation, the correct way is to place a few slices without piling them up, slightly overlapping them on a plain-coloured plate, preferably white, so that the colour of the cured meat really stands out.
With Fruit
A summer classic is melon with jamón served as a starter. But as well as making some original skewers, you can also prepare chilled soups topped with jamón shavings or even combine pineapple and jamón or avocado and jamón. A refreshing and delicious combination.
Bread and Beer
Sometimes the simplest combinations are the best. When it comes to jamón serrano, pairing it with an ice-cold beer and some picos sevillanos is a guaranteed success, especially on hot summer afternoons.
Jamón Salt
The jamón salt recipe has become very popular. It is not actually salt, but a kind of jamón powder that you can use to give a different touch to many traditional dishes. Use it in all kinds of fresh salads, tapas and soups!
Where to Buy Gran Reserva Jamón
Whether it is summer or winter, it is always important to know what to look for when buying jamón. First of all, always go to a trusted or specialist shop such as Enrique Tomás, where they can answer your questions, let you taste the jamón before buying it and, in addition, give you the peace of mind that you can return it if something goes wrong with the piece.
As for the way it is sliced, this is a very personal choice. Although, as good charcutiers, we will always prefer jamón cut by hand with a knife, machine-sliced jamón does not lose its properties or flavour. So buy the jamón you like best and that best suits your budget.
If you are going to buy jamón serrano, remember that you can also find excellent Gran Reserva Paletas and Jamones in all our shops. And not only can you buy a whole piece, but you can also get jamón in all kinds of formats:
Now all that is left to do is go shopping and decide what to serve with your jamón serrano at your next get-together. Will fruit win the day, or will a few beers be enough?
Remember, the most important thing is that you always enjoy it!
