How to Cook Prosciutto

How to Cook Prosciutto
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Prosciutto is an Italian-style ham that has been dry-cured, aged and seasoned. It can be eaten as is or cooked in a variety of ways. The region from which your prosciutto comes makes a big difference in the flavor of the ham. The taste of prosciutto relies heavily on the pig used and its feed. Cooking prosciutto can be done in a similar way to cooking a traditional ham, and it can be used in many of the same recipes that call for ham. Prosciutto commonly accents many recipes without taking center stage, yet provides full flavor with a salty, sweet or savory taste.

Pan Fried

Step 1

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp. olive oil.

Step 2

Cut thinly sliced prosciutto into 1/2-inch wide strips.

Step 3

Brown the prosciutto in the skillet for three to four minutes, until it becomes crispy.

Step 4

Use the crisped prosciutto as a garnish to bring extra flavor to pasta and sauces or sprinkle it over cooked meat.

Pasta with Prosciutto

Step 1

Preheat a skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Place a large pot on the stove filled with water and cook ½ lb. spaghetti according to package directions.

Step 3

Saute 1 tsp. minced garlic, 1 small chopped onion and 1 cup diced prosciutto in the skillet for six to eight minutes.

Step 4

Add one 12-oz. can of diced tomatoes to the skillet and season with 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Cook over medium low heat until the mixture is heated through and toss with the spaghetti.

White Fish Wrapped in Prosciutto

Step 1

Preheat a skillet with 2 tsp. olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season a white fish fillet, such as cod, pollock or haddock, with 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs.

Step 3

Wrap the white fish with a thin slice of prosciutto.

Step 4

Cook the fish in the skillet for three to four minutes on each side. The fish will flake with a fork and the prosciutto will be crispy.

Things You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Olive oil
  • Prosciutto
  • Spoon
  • White fish
  • Dried Italian herbs
  • ½ lb. spaghetti
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 12 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper

References

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Jun 19, 2011

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