Homemade Pasta with Croatian Ham

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 8 ounces (225g) Croatian ham, thinly sliced 8 ounces (225g) Croatian ham, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Gradually mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and cut it into thin strips or small squares.
4. 4.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for about 3-4 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the Croatian ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly crispy.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the dried thyme and paprika over the ham, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
8. 8.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the ham and spices.
9. 9.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. 10.
    Serve the homemade pasta with Croatian ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Croatian ham — Make sure to choose a high-quality Croatian ham for the best flavor. If you can't find Croatian ham, you can substitute it with another smoky cured ham.
• Fresh parsley — To enhance the presentation and flavor, use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a touch of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Croatian ham with grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms.
• Add a splash of white wine to the skillet when cooking the ham for an extra layer of flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Serve the homemade pasta with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade pasta with Croatian ham as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of Croatian white wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. You can also serve it in individual pasta bowls or on a large platter for sharing.