Croatian Ham in Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) smoked ham 500g (1.1 lb) smoked ham
• 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Place the smoked ham in the center of the dough and fold the sides over, sealing the ham inside the bread shell.
8. 8.
   Transfer the ham-filled bread to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Brush the bread with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the ham is heated through.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked ham — Choose a high-quality smoked ham for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for a less smoky variety.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling them on top of the bread for a nuttier flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can brush the ham with a glaze made from honey and Dijon mustard before wrapping it in the bread dough.
• Serve the Croatian Ham in Bread with a side of homemade mustard for a tangy kick.
• If you prefer a softer bread shell, you can brush the dough with melted butter before baking.

Serving advice

Slice the Croatian Ham in Bread into thick slices and serve it warm. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or pickles on the side.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve it on a wooden cutting board for a rustic touch.