Ham cake

Ham Cake - A Savory Delicacy for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the world of savory delicacies! Today, I invite you to prepare a ham cake together, a versatile and delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, with a moist texture and an inviting aroma. Whether you have a party, a picnic, or simply want to impress your family with a new dish, this cake will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

A brief history: The cake has a long tradition in world cuisine, originating from recipes for toasted bread made in various cultures. Over time, recipes have diversified, and today, savory cakes, such as the one with ham, are appreciated for their versatility. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish, making them ideal for both festive meals and everyday dining.

Let's get to work! Here’s how to prepare a perfect ham cake.

Ingredients:
- 7 fresh eggs
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g of ham, diced
- 150 g of grated cheese
- 100 g of pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- Flour, for dusting the pan

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the eggs are fresh. You can use smoked ham for a more intense flavor or dry-cured ham for a subtler aroma. Also, the cheese can be replaced with cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites from the 7 eggs and a pinch of salt. Beat them with an electric mixer until they become firm and shiny. This step will give the cake an airy texture. If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will require more effort.

3. Adding the yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks separately. Gradually add them to the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and fold them into the egg mixture, adding salt to taste. Mix gently, using circular motions from bottom to top, until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

5. Adding the flavorful ingredients: Now is the time to add the diced ham, grated cheese, and sliced olives. Carefully fold them in so they are evenly distributed in the batter.

6. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with a little flour, ensuring the batter won’t stick. This step is essential for achieving a perfect cake that will come out easily from the pan.

7. Pouring the mixture: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the dried basil on top for added flavor.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40 minutes. The cake is ready when, if you poke it with a toothpick, it comes out clean, without traces of wet batter.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then you can transfer it to a rack to cool completely. I recommend slicing it and serving it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add diced bell peppers, green onions, or green olives to change the flavor.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or in sandwiches.
- You can accompany the cake with a garlic yogurt sauce or spicy tomato sauce for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use quail eggs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use quail eggs, as 3 quail eggs equal one chicken egg.

- Can the cake be frozen?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled, then you can wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Nutritional Benefits:
This ham cake is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and ham, while the cheese provides essential calcium for bone health. The olives contribute healthy fats, and the basil adds not only flavor but also antioxidants.

Calories:
A serving of ham cake has approximately 250 calories, making it a delicious option for a satisfying snack.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! I wish you success and, above all, enjoy your meal! Whether you serve it at a festive meal or enjoy it with loved ones, this ham cake will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces.