Mere cu șuncă (Apples with Ham)

Ingredients

• 4 large apples 4 large apples
• 200g (7oz) ham, thinly sliced 200g (7oz) ham, thinly sliced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the top of each apple and scoop out the core, creating a hollow space.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Stuff each apple with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to fill the hollow space.
5. 5.
   Wrap each stuffed apple with slices of ham, ensuring they are fully covered.
6. 6.
   Place the wrapped apples in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the ham is crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for a perfect balance of flavors.
• Ham — Opt for thinly sliced ham with a smoky flavor to enhance the taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the stuffed apples before baking.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
• Serve the Mere cu șuncă with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the Mere cu șuncă as an appetizer or a light main course. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mere cu șuncă on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, to make it visually appealing.