Prosciutto is a type of ham that comes thinly sliced and is integrated into various entrees, such as sandwiches and pastas. It is made from dry-cured ham and is usually served uncooked. Prosciutto is a rich meat that is thinly sliced, and if you have bulk dry-cured ham at home, it can be difficult to cut the meat into thin strips. A meat slicer -- often called a deli slicer, since it is often featured in delis to slice already cooked meat -- allow you to measure out the thickness of the meat precisely. But meat slicers also require caution to prevent an accident from occurring.
Step 1
Turn the thickness knob on the deli slicer to adjust the size of the slices you will cut. Prosciutto is usually cut as thin as possible without the meat falling apart -- generally less than 1/16-inch thick. Adjust the thickness of the slices while the slicer is powered off.
Step 2
Place the dry-cured ham in the holding area. This is usually an angled corner that holds the meat in place as it is cut by the rotating blade. Some meat slicers feature a clamp that goes over the top of the meat to keep it secure while it is sliced.
Step 3
Turn on the slicer and grab the handle. Push the meat forward into the blade, producing a test slice.
Step 4
Turn off the slicer and make adjustments to the slice thickness. Cut another test slice and continue this process until you find the thinnest thickness that still produces whole pieces of sliced prosciutto.
Step 5
Cut the rest of the dry-cured ham into slices of prosciutto.
Tips and Warnings
- Although not always required, wearing metal-mesh gloves can protect your hands from being cut by an active slicer blade. If you do not have a deli slicer, most butchers and meat departments in grocery stores can slice a bulk piece of dry-cured ham for you, and will do so at no extra charge.
- Do not put your hands near the blade while it is spinning.
Things You'll Need
- Meat slicer
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