By: Samantha Daly
Prosciutto is one of the tastiest cured meats available. Meaning “ham” in Italian, prosciutto originated in Italy in pre-Roman times as a way to store meat through the long winters. It is made from pork legs, which are seasoned with salt, dried, and then aged for 14-36 months.
Prosciutto is famous for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. While we know that prosciutto is perfectly delicious to eat on its own, here are our top five ways to pair and serve prosciutto.
Slice It. Thinly sliced prosciutto is the star of any charcuterie board. It can be paired with creamy cheeses like mozzarella or hard cheeses like parmesan to provide a bold flavor contrast. Fold the slices in half on the board to improve your presentation.
Wrap It. Thesalty flavor of prosciutto causes it to pair well with sweet flavor fruits. The classic prosciutto and fruit combo is a slice of cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto and topped with fresh basil. If you want to go more modern, you can wrap figs, pears, avocados, or apple slices instead. Pairing a savory flavor with sweet is always going to be a hit! Another option is to wrap other meats with prosciutto. You can wrap pork chops, chicken breasts, other cured meat, and even scallops with prosciutto to enhance the richness of the dish.
Drizzle It. One of our favorite prosciutto appetizers is the classic bruschetta. With this dish, you will instantly feel transported to a Tuscan vineyard. Toast the bruschetta slices, top with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. You can also add olives or balsamic vinegar for a more unique twist.
Skewer It. Skewers are the on-the-go version of a charcuterie board. Take bite-sized pieces of cheese, tomatoes, and prosciutto and put them on skewers for an easy appetizer your guests are sure to love! You can also add other meats like cured ham or cured pork. Skewers give you the opportunity to try different pairings of meats and cheeses. Make a variety of combinations and see what you like best.
Sandwich It. A classic way to elevate any sandwich is to include prosciutto. Fill a baguette with cheese, veggies, and prosciutto and you have the perfect Italian sandwich.
At Carnivore Club, we know prosciutto is among the most delicious cured meats. With so many different uses, the dishes that you can pair prosciutto with are endless.Whether you have leftover prosciutto from a charcuterie board, or bought it just for the occasion, these pairings are the perfect way to let your prosciutto shine!
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the culinary world, particularly the art of cured meats, I can confidently delve into the rich tapestry of prosciutto and its various culinary applications. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge to hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the subject.
Prosciutto, meaning "ham" in Italian, has a storied history dating back to pre-Roman times. Its origins lie in the ingenious method of preserving meat through the long winters of Italy. Crafted from pork legs, prosciutto undergoes a meticulous process of seasoning with salt, drying, and aging for an extended period ranging from 14 to 36 months. This intricate curing process contributes to its renowned rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Now, let's explore the concepts and culinary techniques mentioned in Samantha Daly's article:
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Thinly Sliced Presentation:
- Expert tip: Achieving the perfect thin slices enhances the overall experience. A well-sliced prosciutto is the centerpiece of a charcuterie board, where it harmonizes with creamy cheeses like mozzarella or bold cheeses such as parmesan.
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Wrapping Technique:
- Prosciutto's salty profile complements sweet fruits exceptionally well. The classic pairing involves wrapping prosciutto around slices of cantaloupe and adding fresh basil. For a modern twist, experiment with wrapping figs, pears, avocados, or apple slices. Additionally, prosciutto can elevate other meats, including pork chops, chicken breasts, and scallops.
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Drizzling Elegance:
- The classic bruschetta with prosciutto is a culinary journey to a Tuscan vineyard. Toasted bruschetta slices, topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil create a delightful appetizer. Adding olives or balsamic vinegar provides a unique twist.
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Skewer Creativity:
- Skewers offer a convenient, on-the-go version of a charcuterie board. Bite-sized pieces of cheese, tomatoes, and prosciutto on skewers make for an easy yet impressive appetizer. The versatility of skewers allows experimentation with different combinations of meats and cheeses.
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Sandwich Mastery:
- Prosciutto can effortlessly elevate a sandwich, transforming it into a classic Italian delight. Incorporate prosciutto into a baguette filled with cheese, veggies, and other complementary ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, the culinary possibilities with prosciutto are limitless. Its ability to enhance diverse dishes, from charcuterie boards to sandwiches, showcases its versatility and enduring popularity among food enthusiasts. As someone deeply immersed in the world of fine cured meats, I can attest to the timeless appeal of prosciutto and its ability to elevate any culinary experience.
