Introduction
Prosciutto and melon is a classic Italian appetizer that is simple to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of salty prosciutto and sweet melon is a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of flavors is so popular that it is often served as an antipasto, or starter, at Italian restaurants. The dish is also a great way to start a meal or to serve as a light snack. With just a few ingredients, you can easily create a delicious and impressive appetizer that will be sure to please your guests.
Prosciutto and Melon: A Perfect Summer Combination
Prosciutto and melon is a classic Italian combination that is perfect for summer. The salty, savory flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy melon. This combination is a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal on a hot summer day.
To make this classic Italian combination, start by selecting a ripe melon. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are all great options. Cut the melon into cubes or slices and arrange on a plate. Top with thin slices of prosciutto. The salty flavor of the prosciutto will balance out the sweetness of the melon.
For an extra flavor boost, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a few fresh herbs like basil or mint for a bright, herbal flavor. This combination is also delicious with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
Prosciutto and melon is a simple, yet delicious combination that is perfect for summer. Enjoy this classic Italian combination as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Prosciutto and melon is a tasty shareable appetizer with a candy and salty mixture. Friends will even love the do-it-yourself balsamic glaze that pairs properly with the fruit and dry-cured ham.
Desk of Contents
When juicy melons are in season in the course of the summer time, I like to make use of them to make this scrumptious appetizer. All you want is 2 ingredients- thinly sliced prosciutto and items of cantaloupe or honeydew, or each melons! I even have a pleasant balsamic glaze to drizzle on prime for tanginess to steadiness the candy and salty notes.
For the most effective style, I want to make use of contemporary melon. It might appear a little bit intimidating to peel and lower, however I guarantee you it’s straightforward! I’ll present you a couple of easy knife expertise to make hearty wedges, excellent for wrapping with ham. This Italian-inspired appetizer is a quick but fancy dish to share at your subsequent barbecue or big day.
Melon choice
Cantaloupe is the basic selection for this dish as a result of the candy orange flesh is tremendous juicy. So as to add a colourful distinction, you too can use inexperienced honeydew. Each are from the identical species Cucumis melo and have comparable agency textures. Their sturdy construction is right for wrapping with thinly sliced cured meat.
Select a ripe melon that feels heavy and has a aromatic aroma. Peel the rind, take away the seeds, and lower them into wedges. I discover that ¾-inch thick items, trimmed to about 5-inches in size, are simply the suitable dimension for one portion. For smaller servings, you need to use a melon baller to create spheres or simply lower them into chunks. This dimension works nice for including a couple of items to a skewer.
Meat choice
I take advantage of paper-thin slices of prosciutto bought within the refrigerated part at markets. When served raw, like for this recipe, the model known as prosciutto crudo. It has an intense savory taste with a touch of sweetness and richness from the streaks of fats.
When paired with the refreshing, juicy melon, the combination of candy and salty notes burst with taste. I take advantage of one slice per melon wedge, about ½ ounce in weight. You too can lower them in half if serving smaller items.
Wrap the melon
Tightly wrap each bit of cantaloupe or honeydew with one slice of prosciutto. The meat could be very delicate, so watch out to not rip it when eradicating it from the bundle. I want to roll it onto the cantaloupe to regulate the overlap. You’ll be able to even add contemporary basil to every piece or slice some for garnish for an herbaceous notice.
Make a balsamic glaze
So as to add some dimension to prosciutto-wrapped melon, make a balsamic vinegar discount. The acidity enhances the salty meat taste and helps to chop among the richness within the fats. The fermented, aged vinegar concentrates and thickens right into a candy, tangy sauce.
Add some honey or pure maple syrup for additional sweetness and extra solids for a thicker consistency. The method takes about 25 minutes to evaporate the water. Because the combination cools, it’s going to have a syrup-like character. Drizzle some on prime proper earlier than serving. I additionally prefer to apply it to my caprese salad for an additional punch of taste.
Serve this with
FAQ
Crudo is a uncooked, Italian dry-cured aged ham comprised of salted pork legs. The slices of meat are skinny, making it straightforward to eat and for fats to soften on the tongue. Every area produces its specific model, like prosciutto di Parma, Modena, Toscano, or Carpegna, with Protected Designation of Origin (POD). You too can discover varieties seasoned with herbs like rosemary or spices like garlic and black pepper for extra aromatic items.
Serve the uncooked slices as an appetizer like on an antipasti platter. It pairs nicely with melons, figs, pears, crisp greens, crusty bread, aged cheese, and its saltiness is right for topping on pasta and pizza.
Glowing wine like prosecco or champagne, or a crisp chilled glass of sangiovese, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or rosé. I like a Riesling or Moscato d’Asti for a sweeter possibility.
Each have candy, juicy, agency flesh and are from the identical species Cucumis melo. Cantaloupe has a beige netted rind and orange flesh with over twice as a lot Vitamin C and A in comparison with the inexperienced flesh of honeydew [source]. The inexperienced melon has very clean pores and skin and is tougher to detect when ripe.
Finest loved the identical day
Should you wrap the ham across the fruit and retailer it in a single day, the salt from the meat will draw out the fruit’s juices attributable to osmosis. This course of creates a puddle of moisture on the underside of the container, making the appetizer soggy in texture.
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Add balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan, stir to mix. Deliver to a boil after which decrease to a simmer over medium-low warmth with some effervescent. Scale back the sauce to about ¼ to ⅓ cup, about 20 to 25 minutes. Enable the balsamic discount to chill barely. It ought to have a maple syrup consistency.
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Wash, dry, and lower the melon into twelve, 3/4-inch thick wedges. Trim to create about 5-inch lengthy items.
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Wrap every melon wedge with one piece of prosciutto.
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Drizzle the balsamic discount over each bit then serve instantly.
- Slicing the Melon: Wedges could be sliced and saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Wait to wrap the prosciutto across the fruit till the day of serving.
- Balsamic Glaze: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Gently reheat if wanted. Dilute with heat water if very thick. For a faster possibility, use store-bought merchandise.
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Vitamin Info
Prosciutto and Melon
Quantity Per Serving
Energy 252
Energy from Fats 63
% Each day Worth*
Fats 7g11%
Saturated Fats 2g10%
Trans Fats 1g
Polyunsaturated Fats 1g
Monounsaturated Fats 2g
Ldl cholesterol 9mg3%
Sodium 183mg8%
Potassium 1505mg43%
Carbohydrates 46g15%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 45g50%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 18674IU373%
Vitamin C 203mg246%
Calcium 51mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* P.c Each day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie weight loss plan.
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