Recipe
Serrano Ham & Fromage Frais Tartines
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I didn’t quite realise how much I love Spanish ham until I last visited Barcelona. I know there are some heavyweight around, such as Parma/Proscuitto ham, Jambon de Bayonne and etc. But, for me, Spanish ham is my favourite.
There are two types of Spanish ham – Serrano ham and Iberico ham. It’s all about the pig – different kind pigs. Seranno hams are made from white -footed pigs. As for Iberico hams, they are made from black-footed pigs, which are the cross-bred descendant of wild boar. Most of the hams in Spain are made from the white-footed pigs, whereas only about 8% are made from the black-footed ones.
Both white and the black pigs are farmed and fed on barley and maize during their first two years. When the white pigs are fully grown between 6 to 8 months, the black pigs are slower to mature, which takes another 2 years to be fully grown. During the 2 years, they roam free in the woods and pastureland of the dehesa, eating a natural wild foraging diet of acorns, herbs, roots and legumes, which gives the meat its distinctive rich and subtle flavour.
As you could have probably guessed there is a price difference between Serrano and Iberico ham. Yes, Iberico ham is much more expensive. Amongst Iberico ham, there are several different types:
Jamón ibérico de bellota – Top of the range, produced from pure iberico pigs fed on a diet of acorns during the Montanera and granted Denomination of Origin status. They are aged at least three years and often labelled “reserva” and “gran reserva”.
Jamón ibérico de recebo – This is from iberico pigs who are fed on a mixed diet of cereals and acorns and aged for at least three years.
Jamón ibérico cebo de campo – This is from iberico pigs allowed to roam freely, but their diet is solely cereals.
Jamón ibérico de cebo – Farm-reared iberico pigs fed on a diet of cereals.
Though there are several varieties of Iberico ham, I am ok with just the one that doesn’t cost me too much, just the “entry level” will make me happy. In general, I like Spanish hams for some reasons – they are drier, very very thinly sliced, nutty and very smoky – very deep and rich flavour.
Well, the best way to enjoy is on its own with a glass of full bodied red wine (my all time favourite is Bordeaux). Though, there are many many different ways to use either Serrano or Iberico hams.
This time, I have made Serrano ham & fromage frais tartines. They are great for quick and simple lunch.
Serrano Ham & Fromage Frais Tartines
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
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Ingredients:
For the Serrano Ham & Fromage Frais Tartines:
- 8 small slices baguette or 4 big slices of crusty bread
- 60-70g fromage frais
- 8 slices of serrano ham
- 4 radish, sliced thinly
- salt and pepper
- some chopped chives and parsley
Method:
1. Grill the baguette slices until slightly golden brown. Set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile, mix the fromage frais with chives and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
3. When the baguette slices are at room temperature, spread a generous quality of fromage frais on each slice. Then put a slice of serrano ham and arrange a few slices of radish. Garnish with some chives. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil, if desired, before serving.
Simple, yet extremely refined and scrumptious! A great combination.
I love cured meats.
Cheers,
Rosa
that looks really gourmet!
They look very appealing! Superb food styling as always!
I’d love to eat these for lunch! Very pretty. I didn’t know there were different varieties of Jamon Iberico. I’ll have to try it soon, perhaps start with entry level ones first. The deli here probably only sells one type :p
These look so pretty and so tasty…I love the simplicity of it…
Hope you are having a great week Leemei 😀
Thank you Juliana.
My husband too – he’s been to Spain and ever since then he’s really into spanish ham! These tartines look so pretty and I am sure it’s so delicious too!
Thanks Nami! Oh yes I am so in love with Spanish ham… 🙂
I like this kind of finger food; All in simplicity with great ingredients !
Same! 🙂