Turkey ham

Homemade turkey ham – a healthy and savory delight

Discovering the recipe for homemade turkey ham is a satisfying culinary journey. The thought of giving up store-bought cold cuts, often filled with preservatives and additives, for a healthier and tastier version is a major step towards cleaner eating. This turkey ham recipe is not only simple and quick but also an excellent way to control the ingredients we consume.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 piece of turkey breast (approximately 400 grams)
- 1 cup water (or broth, if available)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil for a richer taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Chili flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 tablespoon salt

Step by step to achieve perfect turkey ham:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by tying the piece of turkey breast with kitchen twine. This step is essential to give it a uniform shape, so it cooks evenly. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can use a clean, untreated cotton thread.

2. Boiling: Place the tied piece in a heat-resistant pot. Add the water or broth, the 4 tablespoons of oil, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, and crushed garlic cloves. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place the pot in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) and let it boil for 45 minutes.

3. Preparing the spice mix: While the meat is boiling, prepare the spice mix. In a bowl, combine the cumin, thyme, mustard seeds, chili flakes, ground pepper, allspice, dried rosemary, and salt. This mix will give your ham a rich and tempting flavor.

4. Baking: After the meat has boiled, remove it from the cooking pot and brush it with a little oil. Roll it in the spice mix, ensuring it is well coated. Place the meat back in the pan from which you drained the boiling liquid and return it to the oven at the lowest temperature (about 120°C) for 20-30 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.

5. Cooling and slicing: Once the ham has been baked, let it cool completely before slicing. This will help retain the juices in the meat, ensuring each slice is flavorful and moist.

6. Serving: You can enjoy the turkey ham as is, as a healthy snack, or add it to salads, sandwiches, or cheese platters. It is a versatile ingredient that will complement many other dishes.

Useful tips:

- Spice variation: You can experiment with different spices, adding smoked paprika or herbs like oregano or basil to vary the flavors of your ham.
- Choosing the meat: If you prefer, you can also use other parts of turkey meat, such as thighs, but the cooking time will be different.
- Creative serving: Use turkey ham as a main ingredient in salads, along with fresh vegetables and a yogurt dressing, for a healthy and delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for other types of meat, such as chicken or even pork, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I store turkey ham? You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the slices for later consumption.
- What are the nutritional benefits? Turkey ham is an excellent source of lean protein, having a lower fat content compared to other cold cuts. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, making turkey ham at home is a pleasant and satisfying activity that will not only enhance your meals but also bring you a sense of fulfillment. I challenge you to try this recipe and share with your loved ones the joy of enjoying a delicious, healthy ham made with love!