Sweet and Salty Pineapple Skewers

Pineapple skewers are a simple and tasty preparation that can act as an appetizer or conclude a meal with a sweet and fresh note. Here is a version with an Italian twist that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the saltiness of good Italian raw ham, which could be Parma or San Daniele for an authentic Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 150 g of Italian raw ham, thinly sliced
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Balsamic syrup (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the pineapple. Remove the top and bottom, strip away the outer skin, and remove the “eyes” and fibrous parts. Slice the pineapple into slices and then into cubes of about 2 cm.

2. Cut the raw ham into strips as wide as the pineapple cubes.

3. Wrap each pineapple cube with a strip of raw ham and skewer everything with a toothpick for skewers.

4. If you wish, you can add a little mint leaf between the pineapple and the ham for an extra touch of freshness.

5. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate. If desired, you can drizzle them lightly with a reduced balsamic syrup, which will add a sweet and sour note and intensify the flavors.

6. Finally, if you like, sprinkle with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Curiosity

These sweet and salty skewers are an expression of the ancient Roman principle “dulcis in fundo,” which means “the sweet at the end.” With a modern twist, it’s possible to transform this philosophy into a snack or appetizer that prepares the palate for the flavors of the following meal. Furthermore, the pairing of fruit and ham is much appreciated in Italian cuisine. Think, for example, of the classic prosciutto and melon. The use of pineapple in this combination is a contemporary variation that offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.