Glazed Prosciutto Recipe: A Perfect Second Course for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this glazed prosciutto is the perfect recipe to try. With its fragrant blend of spices, tender meat, and a mouthwatering honey glaze, it will surely impress your guests at any celebration. Perfect for holiday feasts or a Sunday dinner, this glazed prosciutto is a must-try! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and guide you through the steps.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork leg (bone-in) | 5 kg |
| Onion | 1 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Juniper berries | 10 |
| Coarse salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Bay leaves | 4 leaves |
| Wild fennel | to taste |
| Black peppercorns | to taste |
| Cloves | to taste |
| Star anise | to taste |
| Acacia honey | 300 g |
| Orange juice | 1 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet paprika | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Leg
Start by preparing the pork leg. Take the juniper berries and crush them lightly with a pestle to release their aromatic oils. Set aside.
Take a large pot and drizzle a bit of olive oil into the bottom. Place the pork leg into the pot, then add the bay leaves around the meat. Next, sprinkle in the crushed juniper berries, black peppercorns, and star anise. These spices will infuse the meat with rich, aromatic flavors as it cooks.
Now, prepare the vegetables: peel and roughly chop the carrot, onion, and celery. Add these to the pot, alongside the unpeeled garlic cloves. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the pork leg, then add a generous tablespoon of coarse salt.
Step 2: Slow Cooking the Pork Leg
Cover the pot with a lid, but leave a small gap for the steam to escape. Set the pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, lower the heat and let the pork cook slowly for at least 3 hours. Be sure to turn the pork leg every once in a while to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion. The pork should become tender and infused with the spices and vegetables.
After 3 hours of cooking, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the pork to cool completely in the same pot to retain its juices and tenderness. This will enhance the flavor and prevent the meat from drying out during glazing.
Step 3: Preparing the Glaze
While the pork leg is cooling, you can prepare the delicious honey glaze. Start by juicing one orange, extracting all the fresh juice. In a separate small pot, add the honey and ground cinnamon. Place the pot over low heat and stir gently with a whisk to combine. Continue stirring as the honey warms and becomes more fluid. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the glaze thickens slightly, and the cinnamon aroma becomes more pronounced.
Step 4: Glazing the Pork Leg
Once the pork leg has cooled, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of the meat, creating a crisscross pattern. These cuts will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the flavor and giving it an appealing texture when baked.
Now, take the glaze and generously brush it over the pork, ensuring the entire surface is covered. At the intersections of the diagonal cuts, insert a clove in each corner for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Baking the Glazed Prosciutto
Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F) if using a conventional oven, or 230°C (446°F) if using a fan-assisted oven. Place the glazed pork leg in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or 20-25 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven. The high temperature will help the glaze caramelize, giving the pork a golden, glossy finish.
Once baked, remove the prosciutto from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The meat should be juicy, tender, and infused with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This glazed prosciutto pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal. The rich, sweet glaze complements the savory flavor of the pork beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Prosciutto
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Choose a Quality Cut of Meat: The better the pork leg, the more tender and flavorful the final dish will be. Look for a well-marbled leg for the juiciest results.
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Low and Slow Cooking: The longer you cook the pork, the more tender it will become. Be patient and allow the meat to cook slowly to extract the maximum flavor.
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Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a stronger sweetness, feel free to add a little extra honey. For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze.
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Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply cook the pork, cool it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, glaze and bake it for a quick, easy dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Sugar | 12 g |
This glazed prosciutto is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a special Sunday feast, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next party, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate any meal and is guaranteed to leave your guests impressed. Enjoy!
