Are you a fan of Serrano ham but always end up with leftovers?
Don’t let that delicious ham go to waste! There are plenty of creative ways to use up those extra slices and add some Spanish flair to your meals.
From frying it up to adding it to soups or stews, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore some unique and tasty ways to make the most out of your leftover Serrano ham.
So, grab a slice and let’s get cooking!
What To Do With Leftover Serrano Ham?
1. Fry it up: One of the easiest ways to use up leftover Serrano ham is to fry it up. Simply slice the ham into thin strips and fry it in a pan until it’s crispy. This is a great way to add some salty flavor to a dish.
2. Add it to soups or stews: Another way to use leftover Serrano ham is to add it to soups or stews. This is a great way to add some extra flavor to a dish. Simply add the ham towards the end of cooking so that it does not become too salty.
3. Serve it cold: Leftover Serrano ham can also be served cold as part of a salad or antipasto platter. Simply slice the ham into thin strips and add it to the dish.
4. Use it as a topping: Serrano ham makes a great topping for pizzas, flatbreads, and even scrambled eggs. Simply chop up the ham into small pieces and sprinkle it on top of your favorite dish.
5. Make a crumble: For a unique twist, shred the leftover Serrano ham, fry it with a little oil, add breadcrumbs and some fresh herbs, season, allow to cool a bit, whizz it in the magimix so it’s more of a crumble, pack it onto white fish fillets and bake. The result is amazing!
Fry It Up For A Crispy Snack
If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, try frying up your leftover Serrano ham for a crispy treat. To make ham crisps, simply line a sheet pan with parchment paper, arrange slices of Serrano evenly on the pan, then bake until crispy (watch them carefully!). These crunchy snacks can be stored in a sealed bag, at the ready to top salads, eggs, and crumble over cooked vegetables or fish – there’s no end of tasty uses for these crisps.
For a more indulgent snack, try frying up your Serrano ham until it’s crispy. Simply slice the ham into thin strips and fry it in a pan until it’s golden brown and crispy. This is a great way to add some salty flavor to your snack. You can enjoy your crispy ham strips on their own or use them as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or even soups.
To take your crispy ham snack to the next level, try adding some spices or herbs to the mix. You can sprinkle some smoked paprika or cumin over the ham before frying for an extra kick of flavor. Alternatively, you can add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan while frying for a fragrant and flavorful snack.
Add It To Your Breakfast Dishes
Leftover Serrano ham can be a great addition to your breakfast dishes. One easy way to use it up is to add it to an omelette or frittata. Simply chop up the ham into small pieces and add it to the egg mixture before cooking. The salty flavor of the ham will add a delicious kick to your breakfast.
Another great option is to make a breakfast sandwich with the leftover Serrano ham. Spread some butter on a slice of bread and top it with a slice of cheese and some sliced ham. Add another slice of bread on top and cook the sandwich in a skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Spanish-style breakfast dish with leftover Serrano ham. One popular option is huevos rotos, which translates to “broken eggs”. Simply fry up some potatoes, top them with sliced Serrano ham, and then add some fried eggs on top. The runny yolk will mix with the potatoes and ham, creating a delicious and hearty breakfast dish.
Use It As A Flavor Booster In Soups And Stews
If you have leftover Serrano ham, one of the best ways to use it is as a flavor booster in soups and stews. The ham bone itself is excellent for flavoring broths, soups, and stews, and may be cut and frozen for later use. The bone gives a unique taste to soups and stews, making them more tasty and delicious.
To make a delicious broth, you can use the ham bone along with other ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. To prepare the broth, bleach the bones by leaving them soaking in hot water until it boils; repeat this process 2 to 3 times. Then proceed to cook the bones for about two hours in 2.5 liters of water, removing the fat that is gradually released from the pieces of bone. Finally, strain the broth to filter all possible impurities that may be left over. You can consume it directly or store it in the freezer for later consumption or use it to prepare other dishes.
You can also use leftover Serrano ham as an ingredient in soups and stews by adding it towards the end of cooking so that it does not become too salty. For example, you can add it to lentil soup along with classic mirepoix vegetables like onion, celery, and carrot, as well as thyme, bay leaves, and oregano for an herby finish. Fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end brighten up the soup and add a nice pop of color.
In addition to using the ham bone or adding leftover ham to soups and stews, you can also use the fat to flavor soups and stews. The fat can be used to add extra richness and depth of flavor to your dishes. Overall, using leftover Serrano ham in soups and stews is a great way to make use of this delicious ingredient while adding some extra flavor to your meals.
Make A Savory Serrano Ham And Cheese Sandwich
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftover Serrano ham, why not make a delicious sandwich? Here’s a recipe for a savory Serrano ham and cheese sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your cravings:
Ingredients:
– French baguette
– Butter
– Manchego cheese
– Serrano ham
– Arugula
Instructions:
1. Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread butter on each side.
2. Layer thin slices of Manchego cheese on one side of the baguette.
3. Add a generous amount of thinly sliced Serrano ham on top of the cheese.
4. Top with a handful of fresh arugula.
5. Place the other half of the baguette on top and press down gently.
6. Cut the sandwich into two or three pieces and serve.
If you don’t have Manchego cheese on hand, you can substitute it with another type of cheese that pairs well with Serrano ham, such as Brie or Havarti. You can also add other ingredients to your sandwich, such as sun-dried tomatoes or piquillo peppers, to give it an extra kick of flavor.
This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover Serrano ham you may have. Enjoy!
Create A Spanish-inspired Charcuterie Board With Your Leftovers
If you have leftover Serrano ham, why not create a Spanish-inspired charcuterie board? This is an easy and delicious way to use up your leftovers and impress your guests. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect board:
1. Start with the ham: Serrano ham is the star of the show, so make sure to feature it prominently on your board. Slice it into thin pieces and arrange it in a fan shape or roll it up into little bundles.
2. Add some cheese: Manchego is a classic Spanish cheese that pairs perfectly with Serrano ham. You could also add some Cabrales or blue cheese for a tangy contrast.
3. Include some crackers or bread: A variety of crackers or bread will give your guests something to enjoy with the ham and cheese. Choose a selection of plain, seeded, and flavored options.
4. Don’t forget the olives: Spanish olives are a must-have on any charcuterie board. They add a salty bite and pair well with the ham and cheese.
5. Add some fruit: Fresh fruit like grapes, figs, or sliced apples will add a sweet contrast to the salty ham and cheese.
6. Finish with some nuts: Marcona almonds are a popular Spanish nut that will add crunch and flavor to your board.
With these tips, you can create a beautiful and delicious Spanish-inspired charcuterie board using your leftover Serrano ham.
