Creamed Virginia Country Ham

Creamed Virginia Country Ham Recipe - Made in USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Virginia country ham with a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner at home.

History

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is a traditional Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Virginia country ham is a beloved ingredient in Southern cuisine, known for its salty and savory flavor. This dish is a way to showcase the delicious taste of Virginia country ham in a creamy and indulgent sauce.

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp minced onion
3 tbsp green pepper
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chopped Virginia country ham
1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
0.13 tsp paprika
2 tbsp dry sherry

How to prepare

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and green pepper until they turn light brown. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir for a few minutes.
Slowly add milk while stirring constantly. Then, add the ham and simmer while stirring until the mixture thickens.
Remove the pan from the heat and season with the remaining ingredients.
Serve over hot buttered toast or cornbread.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Substitute the Virginia country ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Stir in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion and green pepper until they are light brown to develop their flavors.

- Stir constantly when adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

- Simmer the mixture until it thickens to ensure a creamy and smooth consistency.

- Season the dish with chives, paprika, and sherry for added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is delicious served over hot buttered toast or cornbread. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to sauté the onion and green pepper until they are soft and fragrant.

- Stir constantly when adding the milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Simmer the mixture until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Virginia country ham, you can use any type of cooked ham or bacon.

- Substitute the dry sherry with white wine or chicken broth for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamed Virginia Country Ham can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creamed Virginia Country Ham with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a plate with a side of toast or cornbread.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamed Virginia Country Ham pairs well with a side of scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Serve it with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Creamed Virginia Country Ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamed Virginia Country Ham contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamed Virginia Country Ham contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamed Virginia Country Ham contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamed Virginia Country Ham contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is a good source of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and milk) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fat and protein. It is a good source of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

Summary

Creamed Virginia Country Ham is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With its rich and creamy sauce and savory Virginia country ham, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite sides for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Creamed Virginia Country Ham. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in the countryside. Margaret had invited me over for lunch and as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing smell of cooking ham.

Margaret was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of creamy sauce that looked irresistibly delicious. I asked her what she was making and she told me it was her famous Creamed Virginia Country Ham. She told me that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations and she was happy to share it with me.

As Margaret cooked, she shared the story of how she learned to make this dish. It all started with her grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills. Margaret's grandmother had grown up in the countryside of Virginia, where ham was a staple in their diet. She had learned to make the creamed ham dish from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

Margaret's grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl. She had shown Margaret how to cook the ham until it was tender and then make a creamy sauce to go with it. Margaret had watched her grandmother cook this dish countless times, learning all the secrets and techniques along the way.

As Margaret shared the recipe with me, I could see the love and passion she had for this dish. She explained how important it was to use high-quality Virginia country ham, as it was the key ingredient that gave the dish its rich and savory flavor. She also stressed the importance of cooking the ham low and slow, allowing it to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

After the ham had cooked to perfection, Margaret showed me how to make the creamy sauce. She combined butter, flour, and milk in a saucepan, whisking constantly until the sauce was thick and creamy. She then added the cooked ham to the sauce, stirring gently until it was well coated.

Finally, Margaret served the Creamed Virginia Country Ham over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The ham was tender and flavorful, and the creamy sauce was the perfect complement.

Since that day, I have made Margaret's Creamed Virginia Country Ham countless times for my family and friends. Each time I cook it, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the love and tradition that went into creating this delicious dish. It has become a staple in my own recipe collection, a cherished reminder of the time spent in Margaret's kitchen learning from a true master.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and to pass it on to future generations. It is a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of family and tradition. And for that, I will always be thankful to Margaret and her grandmother for sharing their recipe with me.