Parmesan Ham and Broccoli

Parmesan Ham and Broccoli Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Parmesan Ham and Broccoli is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese with the freshness of broccoli. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The combination of ham, broccoli, and cheese has been a popular dish for many years. This recipe takes a classic dish and adds a twist with the addition of Parmesan cheese, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of fresh broccoli
4 tbsp of butter
4 tbsp of flour
1 cup of chicken broth
1 cup of light cream
0.75 cup of grated parmesan cheese
12 thin wide slices of cooked ham

How to prepare

Wash and trim the broccoli, then cook it in boiling salted water until it becomes tender.
Drain the broccoli well.
Arrange the cooked broccoli in a shallow casserole dish.
Melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the flour, broth, and cream.
Cook and stir the mixture constantly until it becomes thick and bubbly.
Remove the mixture from heat and whisk in 0.5 cup of the cheese.
Arrange the ham slices over the broccoli, ensuring that the broccoli is fully covered.
Cover the ham and broccoli with the sauce, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Broil the dish for 10 minutes.

Variations

Substitute cooked chicken for the ham for a different flavor.
Add some cooked pasta to make it a heartier dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still has a slight crunch to it.

- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan Ham and Broccoli with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Broiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cook the broccoli ahead of time, then assemble the dish and broil it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Parmesan Ham and Broccoli in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 24g per serving

Saturated Fat: 14g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 40% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, cream)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin C. It is high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Parmesan Ham and Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and savory ham, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Parmesan Ham and Broccoli. It was a cool autumn day, and I was sorting through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the faded and stained index cards, I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper with the title "Parmesan Ham and Broccoli" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this recipe from, but the ingredients intrigued me. Parmesan cheese, ham, broccoli - it sounded like the perfect combination of flavors. I decided then and there that I would make this dish for dinner that evening.

As I gathered the ingredients and started prepping, memories flooded back to me of all the recipes I had collected and learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members, and a few I had even picked up during my travels. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, reminding me of the people and places that had influenced my love for cooking.

As the Parmesan Ham and Broccoli baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled the kitchen and brought a smile to my face. I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family, just like so many other recipes I had learned and perfected over the years.

I thought back to the first recipe I ever learned to make - my mother's famous meatloaf. I remember standing on a stool in the kitchen, watching her mix the ingredients together with her hands. She taught me how to form the loaf and bake it to perfection. That meatloaf became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together around the dinner table.

Over the years, I continued to learn new recipes and techniques from friends and family members. My aunt taught me how to make her secret spaghetti sauce, simmering for hours on the stove, while my best friend shared her recipe for chocolate chip cookies that were the perfect balance of chewy and crispy.

I also picked up recipes during my travels, sampling local dishes and asking for the recipes from the chefs who created them. I learned how to make paella in Spain, curry in Thailand, and baklava in Greece. Each recipe added to my culinary repertoire, expanding my palate and enhancing my love for cooking.

As the timer beeped and I pulled the Parmesan Ham and Broccoli out of the oven, I couldn't wait to dig in. The dish looked perfect - the ham crispy on the edges, the broccoli tender, and the Parmesan cheese melted and golden brown. I served it alongside a fresh salad and some crusty bread, knowing that this meal would be a hit with my family.

As we sat down to eat, I watched as my loved ones took their first bite of the Parmesan Ham and Broccoli. Their faces lit up with delight, and I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in our household. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned to make this dish from scratch, using the skills and techniques that I had acquired over the years.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for my family and friends. Each recipe I learn and perfect is a reflection of the people and places that have influenced me along the way. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a cook.

As I savored the last bite of the Parmesan Ham and Broccoli, I felt a sense of contentment and fulfillment. This dish was more than just a recipe - it was a reminder of the joy and love that cooking brings into my life. And I knew that I would continue to seek out new recipes, learn new techniques, and share the gift of cooking with those around me for years to come.