MANILA, Philippines — Still got some leftover ham from the holidays in the refrigerator?
It’s time to work your magic into those delightful slices of cured meat and breathe new life into them!
What creative dishes can you whip up using leftover ham? We asked some chef-friends for ideas, and here is what they said:
MYKE ‘TATUNG’ SARTHOU
Tindeli/Azadore/Lore/ Pandan Asian Café
"I make ham spread. Dice the ham, and mix with mayonnaise and grated cheese. Or add to soup or make fried rice with them."
HENY SISON
Heny Sison Culinary School
"You can make Sinigang na Ham and Ham Empanada.
"For the Sinigang na Ham, cut ham into cubes, then cook the way you will cook your sinigang.
"For the empanada, cut ham into small cubes then add to your empanada filling."
TOTO ERFE
Center for Asian Culinary Studies/Tito Toto’s
"I really buy ham after the holidays. Sale price na! It’s usually at 50 to 70% off already. It allows me to make ham breakfast anytime. I like making sandwiches with Christmas hams, with ham, cheese and lettuce on a burger bun as my favorite.
"Ham is very versatile. You can use it in pasta, fried rice, baked rice, salads, potato salads, omelets, add-ons for soups, braised/stewed food, or casseroles. You can also use ham in pastries, such as pies and quiches..
"More often, I like ham just pan-fried, served with garlic rice, and fried potatoes or hash-browns, and crispy runny eggs."
WAYA ARAOS-WIJANGCO
Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya
"Fatty bits of ham bones go into Fabada or Pochero, and bits of meat go into quiches, cream soups and omelets."
MICHAEL SANTOS
The Alley by Vikings
"You can do a lot of things with leftover ham, like ham sandwich, fried rice, congee, omelet, and frittata. I also make an olive oil penne pasta dish with ham and roasted cherry tomatoes.
"Leftover ham can also be used as mixture for canapés and deviled eggs.
"Let me share a ham and potato frittata recipe with you:
HAM AND POTATO FRITTATA
INGREDIENTS:
100 grams leftover Majestic Ham, shredded
2 Tbsps. butter
1 pc. medium potato, small diced
4 medium eggs, beaten
1 small bunch spring onion, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch smoked paprika
PROCEDURE:
1.Heat 1 Tbsp. butter in a skillet. Sauté potatoes until golden. Add ham. Spread out ham and potatoes.
2.Add remaining 1 Tbsp. butter. Pour in beaten eggs. Do not stir.
3.Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with spring onions.
4.When bottom of egg is golden, cover with egg and flip. Slide the uncooked top side into the pan.
5.When the frittata is cooked, sprinkle with smoked paprika.
6.Enjoy with bread.
PENK CHING
The Pastry Bin
"I usually cut up the ham and stir-fry it, then serve it as deep-fried tiny ham strips for pica-pica. Sometimes, it needs basic seasoning like soy sauce and pepper."
JAMES ANTOLIN
Ikomai/Tochi Desserts
"I use leftover ham for breakfast omelet. Cut it into pieces, add mushrooms, minced onion and garlic. Then pour in beaten eggs and cook until done. Sprinkle top with chopped parsley.
"Sometimes, what I do is coat the leftover ham with Japanese breadcrumbs and fry. Serve with tonkatsu sauce for lunch."
THEODORE DAY SALONGA
Ted’s Kitchen Laguna
"I dice leftover ham and add to soups, stews, fresh salads, and even stir-fried vegetables. It adds andifferent flavor to dishes from the standard ground meat."
ROSE MARIE LIM
Caro and Marie, Cebu
"I use it for Sotanghon Guisado. Masarap siya."
COCOY VENTURA
Isabela
"Leftover ham has a lot of uses in our household. One is as topping for instant ramyon. Another is as sandwich spread. Simply chop the ham into chunky bits; add mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish; and mix well. You can also use it to make ham omelet, also as ingredient for fried rice."
RAFAEL JARDELEZA JR.
Iloilo
"Leftover ham can be added to soups, such as Pancit Molo, Pochero, or even a simple Ham and Corn Soup. It can also be added to Ilonggo fresh lumpia, or made into Cordon Bleu, pasta, sandwiches and pies."
EDWARD DAVID MATEO
La Royale Patisserie
"I make palaman (filling) for siopao from leftover ham. I make hamonado style sauce and add chunks of leftover ham into it.
"For sure, some will use it for Sinangag, Embotido, sandwich, Macaroni Salad, Carbonara, and Ham and Cheese Roll."