Stuffed Ham with a South American Twist

Ingredients

• 1 whole ham (4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kg) 1 whole ham (4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kg)
• 2 tablespoons cumin powder 2 tablespoons cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the cumin powder, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. 4.
   In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the bell peppers and tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until they soften.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.
7. 7.
   Carefully make a slit along the length of the ham, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
8. 8.
   Stuff the ham with the sautéed vegetable mixture, pressing it firmly into the pocket.
9. 9.
   Place the stuffed ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
10. 10.
    Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kg), or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
11. 11.
    Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the ham to brown.
12. 12.
    Once cooked, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ham — Choose a high-quality ham with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder will enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh cilantro and parsley for a vibrant and aromatic stuffing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the spice mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Make sure to let the ham rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
• Leftover stuffed ham can be used in sandwiches or salads for a delicious next-day meal.
• Serve the stuffed ham with a side of tangy chimichurri sauce for an authentic South American touch.

Serving advice

Slice the stuffed ham into thick slices and serve it as the centerpiece of a festive meal. Accompany it with traditional South American sides like yuca fries, plantains, or a fresh avocado salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced stuffed ham on a platter, garnishing it with sprigs of fresh cilantro and parsley. The vibrant colors of the stuffing will beautifully contrast with the rich, browned exterior of the ham.