If you’re a fan of baked ham, you know that there are always leftover chunks and pieces of fat that seem like a waste to throw away.
But did you know that you can actually render that fat and use it in your cooking?
Rendering fat is an old-fashioned method that separates the fat from any other tissue in the fat, creating a delicious by-product known as cracklings.
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses for ham fat and how to render it for maximum flavor.
So, don’t toss those leftover fat trimmings just yet – read on to discover the delicious possibilities of ham fat!
What To Do With Ham Fat?
There are many ways to use ham fat in your cooking, and the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas:
1. Use it as a cooking oil: Just like bacon fat, ham fat can be used as a flavorful cooking oil. Use it to fry eggs, sauté vegetables, or even make popcorn.
2. Make refried beans: Instead of using lard or vegetable oil to make refried beans, try using ham fat for a delicious twist on this classic dish.
3. Add flavor to soups and stews: Use ham fat as a base for soups and stews to add depth and richness of flavor.
4. Make homemade crackers: Mix flour, salt, and rendered ham fat together to make delicious homemade crackers that are perfect for snacking.
5. Use it in baking: Ham fat can be used in place of butter or oil in baking recipes for a unique and savory twist on sweet treats.
What Is Ham Fat And Why Should You Keep It?
Ham fat, also known as pork fat, is the layer of fat that surrounds the meat of a ham. It is often trimmed off before cooking, but it can also be rendered down into a flavorful cooking oil. Ham fat contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fats, also known as healthy fats, than saturated fats. These unsaturated fats include oleic acid, which is found in olive oil and is heart-friendly. Using ham fat in your cooking can add a depth of flavor and richness that other oils cannot provide. Keeping ham fat can also help reduce food waste and save money, as it can be used in various dishes instead of being discarded. However, it is important to consume ham fat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. As with any food, it is up to personal preference whether or not to include ham fat in your diet.
How To Render Ham Fat For Cooking
Rendering ham fat is a simple process that can be done on the stove, in the oven, or in a slow cooker. To begin, cut the ham fat into small quarter-inch dices. For stove-top rendering, place the diced fat in a heavy skillet and cook covered over low heat, stirring occasionally until the fat is liquid and the remaining flesh is crisp and brown. For oven rendering, set the temperature to 250 F, place the fat in an oven-proof pan, and let cook—stirring occasionally—until rendered. For slow cooker rendering, set the temperature to low, add the fat, and let cook for several hours, stirring every once in a while. In all cases, you know it is ready when there are dry cracklings floating in a clear fat liquid.
Once the fat is rendered, it is important to separate the solid bits from the liquid fat. You can do this by pouring the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towel. Be careful when handling hot fat as it can cause severe burns.
The rendered ham fat can be used immediately or stored in a clean jar in the refrigerator for future use. It can be used as a cooking oil to add flavor to dishes such as eggs or vegetables. It can also be used as a base for soups and stews or as a replacement for lard or vegetable oil in recipes such as refried beans or homemade crackers.
Cooking With Ham Fat: Delicious Uses In The Kitchen
If you have leftover ham fat, don’t throw it away! There are many delicious uses for this flavorful ingredient in the kitchen. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Make “chicharrones”: Cut the ham fat into small pieces and heat them in a pan until the fat is released. You will be left with crispy and delicious snacks that can be eaten on their own or added to salads.
2. Use it as a substitute for bacon: The fat of Iberian ham can be used as a substitute for bacon in stews, potatoes, meat dishes, or even a simple sauté of vegetables.
3. “Paint” your meat: Melt the fat of Iberian ham and use it to coat a simple grilled pork steak for a sublime touch.
4. Use it in mashed potatoes or vegetables: Instead of using butter, try using melted ham fat to add a unique and savory flavor to your mashed potatoes or vegetables.
5. Make scented oils: Slowly cook the white fat of Iberian ham with water and olive oil to create a delicious oil that can be used for toasts or as a base for salad dressings.
Ham Fat In Baking: Adding Flavor To Sweet Treats
When it comes to baking, fat is an essential ingredient that provides moisture, tenderness, and flavor to baked goods. Ham fat can be a great alternative to traditional fats like butter or oil in baking recipes, adding a savory twist to sweet treats.
One way to use ham fat in baking is by substituting it for butter or oil in a 1:1 ratio. This can be done in recipes like cakes, cookies, and even pie crusts. The resulting baked goods will have a unique and savory flavor that pairs well with sweet ingredients like sugar and chocolate.
Ham fat can also be used to make savory baked goods like biscuits or cornbread. Adding small pieces of diced ham to the batter can enhance the flavor even more.
Another way to use ham fat in baking is by making a glaze for ham-inspired desserts. A glaze made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice can add a sweet and tangy flavor to cakes or muffins.
Storing And Using Leftover Ham Fat For Future Recipes
When using a baked ham, it’s common to discard the fatty bits and chunks that you don’t want to consume in their current state. However, instead of throwing them away, you can store and use leftover ham fat for future recipes. Here are some tips on how to store and use leftover ham fat:
1. Store it properly: Leftover ham fat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for several months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and put that in a freezer-safe bag.
2. Render the fat: To render the fat, cut any leftover chunks of fat into small pieces and cook them slowly over low heat until they turn into a liquid. Remove any meaty bits halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
3. Strain the fat: Once the fat has rendered, strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any impurities or cracklings.
4. Use it as a cooking oil: Ham fat can be used as a flavorful cooking oil for frying eggs or sautéing vegetables.
5. Add flavor to soups and stews: Use ham fat as a base for soups and stews to add depth and richness of flavor.
6. Make homemade crackers: Mix flour, salt, and rendered ham fat together to make delicious homemade crackers that are perfect for snacking.
7. Use it in baking: Ham fat can be used in place of butter or oil in baking recipes for a unique and savory twist on sweet treats.
By storing and using leftover ham fat, you can add flavor and depth to your cooking while reducing waste and being more frugal in the kitchen.
