Spaghetti with ham and leek

Name: Spaghetti with ham and leek - Stanca H.
Ingredients: 200 g Prague ham; 2 green onions; 1 clove of garlic; oil for frying; 200 g spaghetti; salt; pepper

Pasta/Pizza - Spaghetti with ham and leek by Stanca H. - Recipia

Spaghetti with Ham and Leek In the morning or evening, when I don't feel like complicated meals, I often make spaghetti with ham and leek. They are quick to prepare, require few ingredients, and you can make them even when you don't have much in the fridge. I especially use this recipe during the week, after work, and it’s always just as practical. Once you've chopped the onion and ham, the rest goes quickly. Quick Info Total time: about 20-25 minutes Servings: 2 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: main, for a quick lunch or dinner Ingredients 200 g Prague ham 2 green onions (thin leek) 1 clove of garlic 2 tablespoons of frying oil (or enough to lightly cover the pan) 200 g spaghetti salt pepper Preparation method 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, then the spaghetti. Let them boil until al dente. The time may vary, so check after 7-8 minutes. 2. While the pasta is boiling, cut the ham into strips or cubes, whichever is easier for you. Slice the green onion thinly, as well as the garlic. 3. In a pan, heat the oil, then add the chopped ham. Let it cook over medium heat, stirring, until it gets a bit of color. 4. Add the onion and garlic over the ham. Stir gently and let everything sauté for two to three minutes, until the onion becomes soft but still green. 5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. 6. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan over the ham and leek mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly. 7. Let it cook for another two minutes, stirring, to let the flavors blend. Taste for salt and pepper and add to preference. Why I make this recipe often It’s quick to make, with few ingredients. For days when I want something warm but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen, it’s one of the options I return to. It’s easy to adapt if I have leftover ham or another type of onion in the fridge. You don’t need sauces, cheeses, or eggs, so it’s simple and practical. Tips and Variations Tips Don’t let the garlic stay in the pan too long, so it doesn’t burn. The pasta needs to be drained well, so it doesn’t leave too much water in the pan. If there’s leftover water, the sauce will be too watery. If the green onion is too thin, don’t sauté it too hard, so it retains its fresh flavor. Substitutions You can use other types of ham if you don’t have Prague. Homemade ham or pressed ham works too. The green onion can be replaced with leek or even yellow onion, although the taste will be slightly different. If you don’t have spaghetti, you can use any type of short pasta. Variations Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley at the end if you like greens. If you want something heartier, you can add a few thin slices of bell pepper to sauté along with the onion. For a slightly spicy taste, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes at the end. Serving Ideas Serve immediately while hot. You can sprinkle some freshly ground pepper on top or, if you like, a few drops of olive oil. If you have leftovers, you can add them for lunch alongside a simple salad. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What type of ham works best for this recipe? Prague ham works well, but other types of sliced or smoked ham are also fine. It’s important that it’s tasty and not too wet. 2. What can I use if I don’t have green onions? You can use thinly sliced leek or yellow onion, just sauté it a little longer so it doesn’t remain hard. 3. Can I prepare the pasta in advance? You can boil them beforehand, but it’s preferable to mix them with the ham and onion just before serving; otherwise, they stick together or become too soft. 4. Do I need to add cheese or sour cream? No, the recipe is designed without cheese or sauce. If you want, you can try adding them, but they’re not part of the basic version. 5. Can I use granulated garlic instead of fresh garlic? It works, but the taste won’t be as fresh. Use a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Nutritional Values Estimate for one serving (out of 2): Calories: 500-600 kcal Protein: 24-28 g Carbohydrates: 65-70 g Fats: 15-18 g The values are approximate and depend on the ham used and its fat content. The pasta and ham provide most of the calories and proteins. Storage and Reheating Spaghetti with ham and leek is good even cold, but it’s best eaten fresh. If leftovers remain, keep them in the fridge for a maximum of one day. They can be reheated quickly in a pan with a tablespoon of water or in the microwave, but the texture of the pasta will be softer. I do not recommend keeping them for more than a day as there is no sauce to protect them.

Spaghetti with ham and leek

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