Leeks with Ham

Leeks with ham are a simple and tasty dish, a recipe that combines the sweetness of leeks with the intense flavor of ham. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized leeks
• 6 slices of cured ham
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optionally, some grated cheese (Parmesan or Parmigiano) for gratinating

Preparation

1. Clean the leeks by removing the greenest part and the roots. Cut them in half lengthwise and then wash them thoroughly to remove any soil residues.
2. In a large pot, pour plenty of salted water and bring to a boil. Blanch the leeks in the boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain them and cool them immediately in iced water to maintain a bright color.
3. Dry the leeks with kitchen paper and wrap each piece with a slice of cured ham.
4. In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, lay the wrapped leeks and drizzle with a stream of extra virgin olive oil. Add a grind of pepper to taste.
5. (Optional) Sprinkle with grated cheese if you want to achieve a golden and gratinated crust.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 15-20 minutes or until the ham is crispy and the leeks are well cooked.
7. Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish.

Curiosity

Leeks are a vegetable of the Alliaceae family, related to onions and garlic, but they are characterized by a sweeter and more delicate flavor. They are very versatile in the kitchen and lend themselves to a variety of preparations, from being used raw in salads to becoming the stars of more elaborate cooked dishes like this one. They also have beneficial properties thanks to their content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.