What to do with leftover Christmas ham? While delicious on its own, these slices of sweet-savory goodness can be transformed with some basic kitchen creativity. Here are three simple recipes that make the most of your ham, all with a Filipino twist:
Ham and Cheese Pandesal Bake
Imagine your favorite breakfast staple elevated into a warm, gooey dish. To prepare this, slice your leftover ham into strips and layer them in a greased baking dish with torn pieces of pandesal. Whisk together four eggs, a cup of milk, a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, then pour the mixture over the pandesal and ham. Top everything with a generous layer of shredded quick-melt cheese and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Ham and Egg Breakfast Wrap
For a quick breakfast fix, take a soft tortilla or flatbread and layer it with sliced ham, scrambled eggs and a sprinkling of shredded cheese. Roll it up tightly, then lightly toast it on a hot skillet until the wrap is golden and the cheese melts. Serve with a side of tomato ketchup or garlic mayo for a deliciously portable meal.
Sweet and Spicy Ham Stir-Fry
For a quick yet flavorful dish, try this sweet and spicy ham stir-fry. In a hot pan, sauté two cloves of minced garlic and a chopped onion in oil. Add sliced ham and cook until slightly caramelized. Then, toss in a mixture of two tablespoons soy sauce, one tablespoon calamansi juice, one teaspoon sugar and a pinch of chili flakes. Throw in julienned bell peppers and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender. Serve this over steaming rice and watch it disappear in minutes.
