Ham Fritters

Belgian Ham Fritters Recipe with Cumberland Sauce

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ham fritters are a delicious and savory dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Paired with a tangy Cumberland sauce, these fritters are sure to impress your guests.

History

Ham fritters have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The combination of ham and a crispy batter has been a staple in many households, often served as a way to use up leftover ham. The addition of a flavorful Cumberland sauce adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

FRITTERS

1.5 cups of ground cooked ham
2 cups of sifted flour
2 cups of boiling water
4 eggs
cooking fat for deep frying

CUMBERLAND SAUCE

1 cup of ham drippings, free of fat
1 lemon
1 orange
2 tbsp of prepared mustard
1 cup of port or madeira wine
1 cup of red currant jelly
2 tbsp of wine vinegar
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste

How to prepare

FRITTERS:
In a pan of rapidly boiling water, stir in the flour and continue to cook while vigorously stirring until the batter starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Reduce the heat and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Remove from heat and stir in the ham.
Heat the fat to 390°F (199°C) and drop the batter by teaspoons into it.
Cook until the fritters turn golden brown all over, then drain them on absorbent paper.
Serve with Cumberland sauce.
CUMBERLAND SAUCE:
Grate the rind of the lemon and orange, then squeeze the juice from both fruits.
Combine the grated rind, juice, and all other ingredients in a saucepan and cook together until well blended.
Season to taste.
Makes 3 cups.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cooked meat such as chicken or turkey in place of ham for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the flour in boiling water until it forms a thick batter to ensure the fritters hold together well.

- Be sure to beat the eggs in one at a time to incorporate them evenly into the batter.

- Fry the fritters in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Drain the fritters on absorbent paper to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ham fritters with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the flour in boiling water until it forms a thick batter to ensure the fritters hold together well.

- Fry the fritters in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Substitute cooked bacon or sausage for the ham for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The batter for the fritters can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

- The Cumberland sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the ham fritters on a platter with a drizzle of Cumberland sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with lemon or orange slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair ham fritters with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ham fritters contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ham fritters contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ham fritters contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of ham fritters contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham fritters are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Ham fritters contain gluten, eggs, and may contain traces of dairy.

Summary

Ham fritters are a delicious and indulgent dish that is high in fats and carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a treat.

Summary

Ham fritters are a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or as a comforting meal. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a crowd-pleasing favorite, especially when paired with a tangy Cumberland sauce. Enjoy this classic dish with your family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a simple yet delicious dish called Ham Fritters. I remember it like it was yesterday - the aroma of the ham frying in the pan, the crispy golden crust, and the tender, juicy meat inside. It was love at first bite.

I learned how to make Ham Fritters from an old friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals with ease. One day, I happened to mention that I was looking for a new recipe to try out, and she immediately pulled out her handwritten recipe for Ham Fritters.

As she talked me through the steps, I could see the passion in her eyes. She spoke of how she had learned to make Ham Fritters from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. Mrs. Jenkins had made some tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding her own personal touch to make it even more delicious.

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins mixed the ingredients together - diced ham, flour, eggs, milk, and a dash of salt and pepper. She carefully formed the mixture into small patties and placed them in the sizzling hot oil. The fritters sizzled and popped, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of frying ham.

After a few minutes, Mrs. Jenkins flipped the fritters over, revealing a perfectly golden crust. She let them cook for a few more minutes until they were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I couldn't wait to try one.

As Mrs. Jenkins plated the fritters and handed me a fork, I took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the savory ham, the crispy crust, and the hint of spices. It was a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, Ham Fritters became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy dinner at home. Each time I made them, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the love and passion she had put into teaching me the recipe.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks of my own to the recipe, just like Mrs. Jenkins had done. I added a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor, and sometimes I would throw in some diced onions or bell peppers for a little crunch. Each variation was a hit with my family and friends, who always asked for the recipe.

As I write this, I can't help but smile at the memories of learning to make Ham Fritters. It's more than just a recipe to me - it's a connection to my past, to Mrs. Jenkins, and to the joy of cooking. I hope that one day, I can pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, just like Mrs. Jenkins did for me.

In the meantime, I will continue to whip up delicious batches of Ham Fritters, savoring each bite and remembering the love and passion that went into creating this simple yet soul-satisfying dish. Cooking is more than just following a recipe - it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and nourishing the soul. And that's exactly what Ham Fritters do for me.