How to Use Cured Meat in Everyday Cooking
Prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are all cured meats that add a rich, savory touch to regular dishes. When you seek to raise the level of breakfast, lunch, or supper, they give innumerable possibilities. Here are ways for you to make the most of these great ingredients.
What Makes Cured Meat a Great Ingredient?
Cured meats are known for their unique taste, which is a result of drying and seasoning processes. It’s their elegantly bold flavor that says a little is enough. Moreover, these delicacies come ready-to-serve, lessening the cooking time. There are multiple cured meat recipes that you can try.
How Can You Add Cured Meat to Breakfast?
Wake up to the flavor and zest from a breakfast highlighted by cured meats. It’s easy to crisp some pancetta topping or mix some diced chorizo into scrambled eggs with a hint of smokiness. For those times when you are after something quick, simple, and subtly classy, you can simply wrap prosciutto around some melon or serve some with cheese and bread.
What Are the Best Ways to Use Cured Meat in Lunch?
Cured meats build lunchtime excitement. Layer thinly sliced salami or soppressata on sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor. Toss pancetta, crisped up in a pan, into fresh greens in a salad that can use an extra texture or mix it with a variety of roasted veggies and grain in a bowl.
How Can You Enhance Dinner with Cured Meat?
Simply and creatively add some cured meats to elevate your evening. Chorizo can be chopped into pasta for a smoky touch or pancetta diced into creamy risottos. Otherwise, make a gourmet pizza at home using a store-bought or homemade crust, topped with prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic glaze drizzle. Not to miss, charcuterie boards named as appetizers or light dinners can include cured beef.
Are There Creative Ways to Use Cured Meat in Snacks?
Certainly! Cured meats allow you to create luxurious snacks by wrapping grissini (breadsticks) in thin slices of prosciutto and creating a savory, crunchy treat. For a sweet/savory treat, fill the dates with goat cheese and wrap them in bacon. Salami could also be diced and mixed into homemade trail mix for a protein-heavy snack.
How Can You Pair Cured Meat with Other Ingredients?
It is great when cured meats are matched with peculiar ingredients as they enhance their respective flavors. Saltiness goes nicely with something sweet, be it fig, pear, or honey. The acidity from pickles, mustard, or citrus tends to cut richness. Soft cheeses like Brie are a great complement to saltiness with crusty bread or crackers that serve as a perfect base.
Final Thoughts: Why Should You Use Cured Meat More Often?
One of the simplest ways to elevate the taste of daily meals is cured meats. They can be incorporated into any meal, from breakfast to dinner. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, you will find cured meats comprehensive for imparting depth, zing, and excitement to all cooking.
To buy cured meats, visit Taste for Luxury.
