Ham met Zuurkool

Authentic Ham met Zuurkool Recipe from Netherlands | Dutch Food

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Ham met Zuurkool, a traditional Dutch dish, combines the savory flavors of ham with the tangy taste of sauerkraut. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening.

History

Ham met Zuurkool has been a popular dish in the Netherlands for centuries. The combination of ham and sauerkraut is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time. This dish is often enjoyed during the winter months when hearty and warming meals are most appreciated.

Ingredients

250 g sauerkraut
1 small apple
1.5 tbsp sour cream
100 g lean ham in one piece
0.5 tbsp of mustard

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Wash and drain the sauerkraut.
Peel the apple and cut it in half.
Slice one half and dice the other half.
Mix the sauerkraut with the apple and the sour cream.
Place the ham on foil and brush it with mustard.
Spread the sauerkraut mixture over one half of the ham.
Fold the ham over and secure it with a toothpick.
Cover the ham with the sliced apple, wrap it in the foil, and place it in the oven for 15 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the ham with smoked sausage for a different flavor.
Add caraway seeds or juniper berries to the sauerkraut mixture for extra depth of flavor.
Top the dish with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to remove any excess brine.

- Brushing the ham with mustard adds a delicious flavor to the dish.

- Secure the ham with a toothpick to ensure that it stays together while cooking.

- Wrapping the ham in foil helps to keep it moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham met Zuurkool with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the ham in foil helps to lock in the flavors and keep the meat moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.

- Replace the apple with pear for a slightly sweeter taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauerkraut mixture and wrap the ham in foil ahead of time. Simply refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ham met Zuurkool on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ham met Zuurkool with a glass of Riesling or a Belgian ale for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham met Zuurkool contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham met Zuurkool contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham met Zuurkool contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham met Zuurkool contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham met Zuurkool is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and mustard.

Summary

Ham met Zuurkool is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Ham met Zuurkool is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With its savory ham, tangy sauerkraut, and flavorful mustard, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna in the Netherlands. Anna was an amazing cook, and I always loved trying out new dishes with her.

On that particular day, Anna invited me to her home for dinner. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma of ham and sauerkraut wafting from the kitchen. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Anna welcomed me with a warm hug and a smile. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's called Ham met Zuurkool, a traditional Dutch dish that is perfect for this time of year."

I watched as Anna effortlessly prepared the ingredients, explaining each step with patience and enthusiasm. She told me about how she learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who passed it down through the generations. The secret, she said, was in the slow cooking process that allowed the flavors to meld together perfectly.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Ham met Zuurkool and was instantly transported to a world of comforting flavors and memories. The ham was tender and savory, while the sauerkraut added a tangy and slightly sweet note that balanced it out perfectly. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After dinner, Anna graciously wrote down the recipe for me, explaining each step in detail. She told me to take my time and enjoy the process of cooking, as that was where the true magic happened. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the dish for my own family soon.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients for my first attempt at making Ham met Zuurkool. I followed Anna's instructions to the letter, taking care to cook the ham and sauerkraut slowly and patiently. The kitchen filled with the same delicious aroma that had captivated me in Anna's home, and I knew I was on the right track.

As I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The Ham met Zuurkool was just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew I had Anna to thank for teaching me such a wonderful recipe. From that day on, it became a staple in my family's dinner rotation, bringing us warmth and comfort on even the chilliest of nights.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, but the memory of learning how to make Ham met Zuurkool from Anna always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, our loved ones, and our heritage.

Now, as I share this recipe with my own grandchildren, I hope to pass on not just a delicious dish, but a piece of my own history and a love for cooking that will last a lifetime. And as we sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Ham met Zuurkool together, I know that the memories we create in the kitchen will be cherished for years to come.