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Serrano Ham

LW

Lia Windt

Lia has a love for foods from various cultures and enjoys travel, writing, and learning about new cuisines.

Perhaps the most iconic meat from Spain is Serrano ham, a cured ham that originated in the mountainous regions of Spain. Traditionally made by salt-curing a leg of pork in a wooden shed for at least a year, the ham has an intense flavor and firm texture. Many refer to this treat as “pata negra,” or the “black leg,” since the leg is indeed black in color. When someone says the ham is “de pata negra,” you know you are eating the real thing.

It is traditional to have this ham at family gatherings or during the holidays. The ham is best served very thinly sliced. On festive occasions it is cut straight from the whole cured leg displayed on a stand or platter, the slices snatched immediately by hungry observers. Because it is cured, this salty greatness can be eaten raw, but of course many recipes ask for this special ham.  

First published October 2014

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Salmorejo
Salmorejo

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  • Servings Serves 5 to 6

Ingredients

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) stale (hard) bread, or as needed
  • 160 ml (½ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
  • 1 kilo (35 ounces) very ripe tomatoes, peeled*
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • Salt
  • 1 hardboiled egg, sliced
  • Strips of Serrano ham, for garnish

* To peel tomatoes, place in boiling water for about 20 seconds or until the skin is slightly loosened. Peel by rubbing off the skin under cold running water.

Preparation

1. In a blender combine the bread, oil, and a splash of water. Allow to sit a moment so the bread is soaked. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and salt.

2. Blend until the mixture is both thick and soupy. Add additional bread for thickening, or water or oil for thinning.

3. To serve, ladle portions into soup bowls and top with sliced egg and Serrano ham.

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Broken Eggs with Serrano Ham

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  • Servings Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 5 potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly lengthwise
  • 3 large eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 long thin slices Serrano ham

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a generous amount of olive oil. Add potato slices and fry, turning as needed, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside to keep warm.

2. In the same oil, fry the eggs to taste, breaking the yolks and seasoning with salt. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.

3. In the same oil, fry the strips of ham very briefly so that they don’t become toughened. Transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. To serve, on each plate place an equal portion of potatoes. Top with an egg and place a ham strip on top. Serve hot.

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LW

Lia Windt

Lia Windt graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Communication with Business Applications and Media Practices. She has a love for foods from various cultures, no matter how different they may be — in fact, the more unconventional the better. When she saw the opportunity to combine writing and food in an internship at The Cook’s Cook, she took it up immediately. She later worked for a tilapia producer, expanding her understanding of the food production chain and giving her a heightened appreciation for how her favorite dishes end up on her table.

Photo credit: Eva Baughman

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