Grilled ham

Delicious Baked Pork Ham Recipe with Golden Potatoes and Tomato Salad

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Pork ham is a versatile and delicious ingredient, often associated with festive meals, but it can quickly become a tasty choice for an everyday dinner. This baked ham recipe, accompanied by golden potatoes and a fresh tomato salad, promises a savory culinary experience that is easy to prepare. Here’s how to achieve a perfect result, step by step!

Ingredients

- 1 kg pork ham (preferably high quality)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 50 g butter (or a pinch, for extra flavor)
- Pork seasoning (you can use a combination of garlic powder, sweet or hot paprika, and thyme)

Ingredient details:

- Pork ham: Make sure to choose a fresh and high-quality ham. If possible, opt for homemade ham, which has a deeper and more authentic flavor.
- Spices: These add a delicious note to the dish; feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. A fantastic option would be to add rosemary or even a drizzle of honey to contrast with the saltiness of the meat.
- Butter: Provides a rich flavor and helps caramelize the ham during baking.

Preparing the ham

1. Preparing the ham: Cut the ham into slices about 1 cm thick. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and the flavors to penetrate well.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the ham slices. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices, as they will enhance the meat's flavor.
3. Adding the butter: Place a pinch of butter on top of each slice. It will melt during baking, adding extra flavor.
4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the ham slices on the oven rack, making sure they do not overlap. Bake for about 30 minutes, turning the slices after 15-20 minutes so they brown evenly.

Preparing the golden potatoes

In the meantime, you can prepare the golden potatoes that will perfectly complement this dish.

1. Ingredients needed:
- 800 g potatoes (preferably new potatoes or red potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Aromatic herbs (optional: rosemary or thyme)

2. Cooking the potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces to cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs.
- Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray in a single layer and bake them in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden and crispy, turning them once.

Preparing the tomato salad

To add a touch of freshness to your meal, don’t forget the tomato salad!

1. Ingredients needed:
- 4 large, ripe tomatoes
- 1 small red onion (optional)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)

2. Preparing the salad:
- Cut the tomatoes into cubes or slices, and the red onion into thin rings.
- In a bowl, combine the tomatoes and onion, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Mix well and, if desired, sprinkle fresh basil for a refined taste.

Serving

Once the ham is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the ham slices alongside the golden potatoes and fresh tomato salad. You can add a slice of lemon for a touch of acidity that will perfectly complement the flavors.

Helpful tip

If you want to diversify the recipe, you can replace the ham with turkey or chicken, and for a vegetarian option, use slices of eggplant or zucchini with similar seasoning. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, which add an excellent hint of sweetness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use smoked ham?
Yes, smoked ham will add an extra flavor, but make sure to adjust the salt, as it is already salty.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Keep the leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the slices in the oven or in a pan.

3. What drinks pair well with this meal?
A dry white wine or a pale beer would perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

This baked pork ham recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Keep this recipe in your cookbooks and feel free to adapt it to your own tastes. Enjoy your meal!