5 things you didn't know you could do with Parma Ham
Paper-thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma, or Parma Ham, are perfect on their own or as part of an antipasti board, but there’s so much more you can do with it. Find out how you can use Parma Ham in dishes from breakfast to dinner.
Prosciutto di Parma, the Italian cured ham with a savoury-sweet-salty flavour, is a truly artisan product. It’s a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) food and must be entirely made in the hills surrounding the town of Parma in the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy. Plus the traditional techniques used to produce the ham and high standard of quality are overseen and upheld by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma.
No leg of ham gets the literal stamp of approval from the Consortium (in the form of certification trademark, the Ducal Crown) unless the proper processes have been followed, it’s been aged for at least a year and it passes the quality check.
READ MORE: A complete guide to Parma Ham
Image courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
Parma Ham pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling or fruity white wine, or as part of an antipasti board with bread and fresh fruit. But it’s also an incredibly versatile ingredient. The delicate flavour means it can be enjoyed in a range of dishes, at any time of the day. Read on for our best ideas and recipes to use Parma Ham.
1. Ham and eggs are a classic breakfast combination
Ham and eggs are a perfect pairing, especially with Prosciutto di Parma, one of the finest hams in the world. Simply drape slices of Parma Ham on the side of fried eggs or wrap around strips of toast or asparagus spears to dip into soft-boiled eggs. Alternatively, play on Parma Ham’s sweet notes and stuff into a croissant or galette.
2. Look forward to lunch: salad, soup, sandwiches and more
As well as its delicious flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, Parma Ham adds a welcome dose of protein to mealtimes. So give yourself a boost by incorporating it into lunch.
Chop slices to toss through salads or for something more decadent, you can’t go wrong with a ploughman’s-inspired toastie. Prosciutto di Parma, Cheddar, grated apple, spinach and chutney make up this crowd-pleasing grilled cheese sandwich.
Get the recipe for Parma Ham ploughman’s toastie here
Image courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
You could also garnish soup with Parma Ham or make crumbs to sprinkle over soup. Follow this recipe to make the Prosciutto di Parma crumbs, then scatter over a thick, creamy soup – this celeriac one or this cauliflower one would work perfectly.
3. Get antipasti right
If you’re planning on enjoying Parma Ham as part of an antipasti selection, make sure you get it right. One of the most important things is to remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so it comes up to room temperature. Too cold and all those delicate flavours won’t come through as well.
Image courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
Ensure you have a balance of flavours and textures in the spread. Include some bread like focaccia, breadsticks, sourdough and rye, and cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola and mozzarella di bufala. Don’t forget about fresh fruit either: melon and figs pair particularly wonderfully with Prosciutto di Parma.
READ MORE: A complete guide to Parmigiano Reggiano
4. Amazing aperitivo
Aperitivo – drinks enjoyed with light snacks – is the perfect way to unwind or add a special touch to an evening cocktail or glass of wine, especially at times like Christmas when everyone needs some festive cheer.
Best of all, you can decide how much effort you want to put in with the cooking. Whip up croquettes, bake into palmiers, twist around breadsticks or skewer with fruit or roasted veg.
Get the recipe for Parma Ham, squash and Manchego skewers here
Image courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
5. Delicious dinners
We all love Parma Ham’s silky texture which is just wonderful mixed through roasted vegetables or stirred through risotto.
But one of the great things about it is that when baked, Prosciutto di Parma crisps up. Try it wrapped around chicken stuffed with ricotta or folded through a creamy pasta bake.
READ MORE: A complete guide to jamón ibérico
Or make Parma Ham crumbs by baking strips until crispy then crumbling them. The perfect topping for the best-ever Brussels sprouts this winter – to grace your festive table and beyond (remember, sprouts aren't just for Christmas).
Get the recipe for Brussels sprouts with Parma Ham crumbs here
Image courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
Lead image: Courtesy of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
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