The Timeless Appeal of Ham and Egg
Ham and egg: It’s a simple dish, yet it’s a global favorite. While often enjoyed at breakfast, it’s versatile enough for any meal of the day. The salty, savory ham perfectly complements the rich, creamy eggs, creating a comforting and nourishing combination.
There are countless ways to prepare and enjoy this classic! From simple scrambled eggs with diced ham to globally-inspired variations, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore various methods for cooking ham and egg, provide tips for enhancing the flavor, and discuss serving suggestions and cultural twists.
Classic ham and eggs: A foundational recipe
Ham and eggs is a super-simple, versatile recipe that’s been a staple of the American diet for a long time. Here are a couple of ways to approach it:
Scrambled ham and eggs
To make scrambled ham and eggs, you’ll need these basic ingredients: eggs, ham (either diced or sliced), and a little butter or oil. If you can, use pasture-raised eggs for better flavor and nutrition. The ham can be anything from deli slices to leftover holiday ham.
Start by heating a pan and sautéing the ham until it’s lightly browned. Next, pour in the whisked eggs and scramble everything until it reaches the doneness you like best. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs before you cook them.
Season with salt and pepper, but be careful with the salt since ham can be pretty salty already. Some people like to add cheese for extra flavor.
Ham and egg omelet
To make a ham and egg omelet, you’ll first need to whip up a basic omelet batter with whisked eggs and seasonings. Some people add a little flour to the eggs to make the omelet sturdier.
Next, sauté the ham and any other ingredients you want in your omelet, such as onions, peppers, or cheese. Add the sautéed ingredients to the center of the omelet before folding it over.
Cook the omelet until the eggs are set and the filling is heated through.
Ham and eggs: Global variations and inspirations
Ham and eggs is a simple, comforting dish, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Here are some ways that cooks around the world have put their own spin on this classic breakfast.
Huevos con jamón: A Latin American twist
In many Latin American countries, huevos con jamón is a popular breakfast dish. The key ingredients are, of course, eggs and ham, and it’s often served with tortillas and refried beans.
The eggs and ham can be scrambled together or served separately. For a little extra flavor, try adding onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños for huevos a la Mexicana. You can also spice things up with salsa ranchera or jalapeno toreado.
Croque Madame/Monsieur: A French classic
The croque monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich made with sliced ham and Gruyère cheese. The croque madame is the same sandwich, but topped with a fried egg.
Some cooks add béchamel sauce for even more richness and flavor.
Other variations
- Frittata: An Italian baked egg dish with ham and vegetables.
- Breakfast burrito: Scrambled eggs with ham, cheese, and salsa wrapped in a warm tortilla. Add crispy hash browns for extra flavor and texture.
- Breakfast bowl: Scrambled eggs and ham served over quinoa or sweet potato hash.
Maximizing flavor and texture in ham and eggs
With a simple dish like ham and eggs, it’s easy to elevate the flavor and texture in simple ways.
Choosing the right ham
There are many types of ham to choose from. You might like the convenience of deli ham, or you might prefer Canadian bacon, honey ham, or even leftover holiday ham.
If you like a sweeter flavor, honey ham might be the way to go.
To evenly distribute the ham in scrambled eggs, dice it into smaller pieces. And to make it even tastier, warm the ham until it’s slightly browned before adding the eggs.
Egg preparation techniques
Whisking the eggs thoroughly before cooking will give the eggs a fluffier texture. For extra moisture, add a splash of milk or cream.
Cook the eggs gently to avoid overcooking them. To stop the cooking process as soon as they’re done, transfer the eggs to a plate immediately.
Be careful with the salt, since ham can be pretty salty. Adjust the salt to your liking.
Adding extra flavor
Add some diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño and sauté them for a “Huevos a la Mexicana” style dish. You could also add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Sprinkle some cheese on top, or fold it into the eggs. And for a touch of spice, add some fresh pepper or salsa.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings
Ham and eggs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic Sides: You can’t go wrong with toast, biscuits, or English muffins.
- Latin American Flair: If you’re making Huevos con Jamón, serve it with warm tortillas and refried beans.
- Breakfast Burrito/Bowl: Add ham and eggs to a breakfast burrito or bowl. Top with salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
- Healthy Options: Pair your ham and eggs with avocado slices, fresh greens, or a side of fruit for a balanced meal.
- Complementary Dishes: Serve ham and eggs alongside hotcakes/pancakes, waffles, or a savory sweet potato hash.
Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combinations!
In Closing
Ham and eggs: It’s a simple dish, yet endlessly adaptable. Whether you like it scrambled, fried, or baked into a quiche, there’s a ham and egg combination out there for everyone. From a basic diner breakfast to globally inspired variations, the possibilities are truly endless.
So, get creative! Play around with different ingredients and cooking methods until you discover your ultimate ham and egg masterpiece. Keep in mind that ham can be salty, so taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Whether you need a quick and easy breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a protein-packed meal any time of day, ham and eggs is a classic for a reason. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.