Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant essence of Spanish cuisine in every succulent bite - our Marinated Ham Spanish Style is exactly that culinary adventure! This recipe transforms an ordinary ham into a flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a Madrid kitchen. With a perfect blend of smoky paprika, zesty garlic, and rich olive oil, this ham isn't just a meal; it's a gastronomic journey that promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ham
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigeration and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before preparing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the ham in a large shallow dish and pour the marinade evenly over the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the ham marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to deeply penetrate.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the ham from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid for basting.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Roast the ham in the preheated oven, basting every 20 minutes with the reserved marinade.
- Cook until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), which typically takes about 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the ham overnight to allow the spices and vinegar to deeply penetrate the meat. • Use high-quality smoked paprika (preferably Spanish) to achieve an authentic flavor profile. • Always let the ham come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. • Baste regularly during cooking to keep the meat moist and enhance the marinade's flavors. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking. • Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender and juicy result. • Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
