New potatoes baked with ham

Delicious Recipe: Oven-Baked New Potatoes with Ham

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and delightful dishes! Today, I invite you to discover a simple and delicious recipe that brings together the fresh ingredients of summer. These oven-baked new potatoes with ham are a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner, as well as for impressing guests at a festive meal.

The history of the oven-baked potato recipe is long and fascinating. Originally from South America, potatoes were brought to Europe in the 16th century, quickly becoming a staple food. The combination with ham, an ingredient that adds flavor and substance, has been popularized over time, resulting in dishes that bring joy to family tables around the world.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg new potatoes
- 4 slices of ham (you can choose your favorite: raw, smoked, or fried)
- 70 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Low-fat sour cream or yogurt (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Preparation Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients. Start by washing the new potatoes. They have a thin skin, so you can choose to scrub them well and leave the skin on for a more interesting texture. Cut the potatoes into cubes or quarters, depending on your preference, ensuring that the sizes are uniform for even cooking.

2. Mix the spices. In a large bowl, add the olive oil and spices: salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano, basil, and sweet paprika. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine the flavors.

3. Coat the potatoes. Add the cut potatoes to the bowl with the oil and spices. Use the wooden spoon to mix everything together, ensuring that each piece of potato is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

4. Prepare the baking tray. Line a baking dish with parchment paper (this will help with easier cleanup and prevent sticking). Pour the potatoes into the dish, making sure they are spread out evenly.

5. Add the ham. Cut the slices of ham into your preferred shape – you can go for cubes or strips. Add them to the dish over the potatoes. They will combine perfectly with the flavors of the potatoes during baking.

6. Bake in the oven. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the ingredients from drying out too quickly. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) and let it bake for 30 minutes. Check with a fork to see if the potatoes are soft enough to pierce easily.

7. Finish the dish. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and turn the potatoes with a spatula. Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes become golden and crispy.

8. Serve. Once the potatoes have reached an appetizing color, take the dish out of the oven. Add sour cream on top and sprinkle with fresh dill for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Serve hot alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced lunch or dinner.

Helpful Tips:
- Choose quality potatoes. New potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their delicate texture and slightly sweet flavor. Look for young, smooth potatoes without blemishes or defects.
- Experiment with spices. Whether you choose fresh or dried herbs, feel free to adjust them to your taste. Adding minced garlic or chili flakes can provide an extra kick of flavor.
- Variations of ham. If you prefer, you can substitute the ham with crispy bacon or opt for a vegetarian version using feta cheese or marinated tofu.

Perfect Pairings:
These oven-baked potatoes with ham pair wonderfully with a tomato and cucumber salad or a cabbage salad. Additionally, a cold blonde beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as regular potatoes may take longer to soften.
2. How can I make this dish healthier? You can reduce the amount of oil and opt for lean ham or a vegetarian version.
3. What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftover potatoes, you can use them in salads or as a side dish for other meals.

Nutrition:
This recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the ham, and healthy fats from the olive oil. The dill adds vitamins and minerals, thanks to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants.

I encourage you to try this recipe for oven-baked new potatoes with ham and enjoy every bite. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that will bring smiles to the table. Bon appétit!