How to Make Spanish Piquillos con Jamón: Piquillos with Ham

• 1. Introduction to Piquillos con Jamón
• 2. Ingredients for Piquillos with Ham
• 3. How to Prepare Piquillos with Jamón
• 4. How to Serve Piquillos with Ham
• 5. Variations on Piquillos con Jamón

1. Introduction to Piquillos con Jamón

Spanish cuisine is known for its rich flavors, bold ingredients, and a deep connection to tradition. One of the most delightful dishes to try is piquillos con jamón, a simple yet delicious dish made with piquillo peppers and jamón (Spanish ham). This dish is a great representation of the rustic yet refined tastes that define Spanish food. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy-to-make comfort food, piquillos con jamón offers the perfect combination of sweetness, smokiness, and savory flavor.

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2. Ingredients for Piquillos with Ham

To make a traditional plate of piquillos with jamón, you will need a few key ingredients. Most of them can be found in local grocery stores, and the piquillo peppers can often be found in specialty stores or online. Here's what you'll need:

• Piquillo peppers: These sweet, red peppers are a staple in Spanish cuisine. They are typically roasted and packed in jars, making them easy to use for recipes like piquillos con jamón.
• Jamón ibérico or serrano: Spanish cured ham is an essential ingredient. If you can’t find ibérico, serrano ham is a good substitute. The ham adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will enhance the dish with a mild, aromatic flavor.
• Sherry vinegar: A touch of sherry vinegar adds the perfect acidity to balance the sweetness of the piquillo peppers.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme is commonly used for garnish and added flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

3. How to Prepare Piquillos with Jamón

Preparing piquillos with jamón is a straightforward process that brings out the best in the ingredients. Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dish:

1. Prepare the peppers: If using jarred piquillos, drain them and set them aside. If using fresh piquillo peppers, roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes, or until the skins char. Peel the skin off once cooled and remove the seeds.
2. Cook the garlic: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the jamón: Add the chopped jamón to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to crisp up slightly. This will release its flavors into the oil and garlic.
4. Combine with piquillos: Add the prepared piquillo peppers to the skillet with the jamón and garlic. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Season and finish: Add a splash of sherry vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss the dish gently. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

4. How to Serve Piquillos with Ham

Piquillos con jamón can be served as a main dish or as part of a tapas spread. Here are some tips for serving:

• Serve with crusty bread: The savory mixture of piquillos and jamón is perfect when paired with a warm, rustic loaf of bread. Use it to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Pair with wine: A glass of Spanish red wine, like Rioja, or a crisp white wine, such as Albariño, pairs wonderfully with this dish.
• As a tapa: Serve small portions of piquillos with jamón on small plates as part of a larger tapas spread. Pair with other Spanish tapas like olives, cheese, and chorizo for a complete meal.

5. Variations on Piquillos con Jamón

While the traditional version of piquillos con jamón is beloved for its simplicity, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

• Cheese-filled piquillos: For a richer version, stuff the piquillo peppers with a small amount of goat cheese or manchego cheese before cooking them with jamón. This adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• With a fried egg: Add a fried egg on top of the piquillos con jamón for a more hearty, satisfying meal.
• Vegetarian version: Replace jamón with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to make a vegetarian-friendly dish without sacrificing flavor.

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