Oven-baked pork ham

Oven-baked pork ham with a side of mushrooms

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a tender and flavorful meat dish that fills the house with inviting aromas? Oven-baked pork ham is an excellent choice for family meals or special occasions. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, based on a combination of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. We will accompany the ham with a delicious side of mushrooms, which add an earthy taste and wonderful texture.

Before we start cooking, let's familiarize ourselves with the ingredients and discuss some important details.

Ingredients:

- 1 piece of pork ham (approximately 800 g)
- 1 glass of white wine (preferably dry)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 10-12 black or mixed peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweet or hot paprika (to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Ingredient details:

- Pork ham: Choose a piece with a layer of fat, which will contribute to the juiciness of the meat. The fat will melt during cooking, providing a rich flavor.
- White wine: This will add a pleasant acidity and help tenderize the meat. Choose a quality wine that you would be willing to drink.
- Mushrooms: These wild mushrooms are delicious but can be replaced with any other type of mushrooms, such as button or shiitake.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ham:
- Start by washing the piece of ham well, removing any impurities. Dry it with a paper towel.
- Season the ham with salt on all sides.

2. Initial boiling:
- Place the ham in a large pot and fill it with water, enough to completely cover the meat.
- Add the white wine, peppercorns, bay leaves, and dried rosemary. Cover with a lid and place the pot over low heat.
- Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, check occasionally and remove any foam that forms on the surface.

3. Transferring to the oven:
- When the meat is tender (a fork should easily pierce the ham), remove it from the water and place it in another cooking dish (a clay pot is ideal).
- Drizzle the meat with olive oil, then sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and paprika. Add a few spoonfuls of the broth in which the ham was boiled.

4. Baking in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Place the ham in the oven and let it brown for 45 minutes to an hour, turning it once to ensure even cooking.

5. Preparing the mushroom side:
- While the ham is browning, clean the mushrooms and cut them in half if they are large. Sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add chopped garlic for extra flavor. Cook until they are golden and tender.

6. Serving:
- Once the ham is ready, remove it from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it.
- Serve the slices of ham alongside the mushroom side and, if desired, add a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

Suggestions and variations:

- Mushroom variations: If you can't find mushrooms, other types, such as porcini or forest mushrooms, can provide a similar flavor.
- Seasoning: Experiment with other herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to give a personal touch to the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use turkey ham? Yes, you can use turkey ham, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I store leftover ham? The ham can be stored in the fridge wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Each serving of pork ham has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of fat and side dish. Pork ham is an excellent source of protein, also providing B vitamins, such as B12, which help in the formation of red blood cells.

In conclusion, this oven-baked pork ham recipe is one that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 piece of ham weighing about 800 g, 1 glass of white wine, olive oil, bay leaves, peppercorns, dried rosemary, sweet/spicy paprika (to taste), salt, pepper

 Tags:  pork ham white wine