Shavings of Country Ham With Parmesan, Pears and Pine Nuts

I’ll never forget the first time I experienced the magic of perfectly balanced flavors. It was at a small trattoria tucked away in the hills of Tuscany. The chef, a jovial woman with flour dusting her apron, presented a plate of thinly sliced prosciutto with melon. The sweetness of the melon, the saltiness of the ham, and the drizzle of aged balsamic was a revelation. It awakened my senses and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art of simple, high-quality ingredients. This recipe for shavings of country ham with Parmesan, pears, and pine nuts echoes that initial spark – a celebration of fresh, contrasting flavors that dance together on the palate.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 appetizer servings
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ½ lb package Parmesan cheese
• 12 slices good country ham, thin slices, cut into wide ribbons
• 1 ripe pear, halved and cored (unpeeled)
• 1 bunch baby arugula, washed and stemmed (rocket)
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Vegetable peeler or cheese slicer
• Mandoline or sharp knife
• 6 chilled plates

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the Parmesan cheese. Using a vegetable peeler or cheese slicer, shave the Parmesan cheese into “ribbons.” Aim for thin, delicate shavings that will melt slightly in your mouth.
2. Take your chilled plates. On each of the six plates, intertwine a few ribbons of Parmesan cheese and country ham to form a small, fluffy mound. The idea is to create a light and airy base for the other ingredients.
3. Next, prepare the pear. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the pear as thinly as possible. The thinness is crucial for achieving the right texture and allowing the pear’s sweetness to complement the other flavors. Remember to leave the skin on for added color and nutrients.
4. Add a few slices of the thinly sliced pear to each mound of cheese and ham. Arrange them artfully to create visual appeal.
5. Over each plate, gently toss a few leaves of baby arugula. The peppery bite of the arugula will provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pear and the saltiness of the ham. Ensure the arugula is well-washed and dried to prevent a soggy dish.
6. Sprinkle each plate with toasted pine nuts. The toasting process is essential, as it brings out the nutty flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
7. Drizzle each plate with extra virgin olive oil. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. A light drizzle is all you need to enhance the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
8. Finally, garnish each plate with cracked black pepper to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chill Your Plates: Chilling the plates before assembling the dish will help keep the ingredients fresh and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
• Toast Pine Nuts Properly: Don’t skip toasting the pine nuts! It unlocks a deeper, richer flavor that significantly elevates the dish. Watch them carefully while toasting, as they can burn easily.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: This recipe relies on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for a good quality country ham, aged Parmesan cheese, and fresh, ripe pear for the best results.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The Parmesan can be shaved ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pine nuts can also be toasted ahead of time. However, assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting and the pear from oxidizing.
• Pear Perfection: Bosc or Anjou pears work particularly well in this recipe due to their firm texture and subtle sweetness. Avoid overly ripe pears, as they can become mushy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately after assembly to ensure the arugula is crisp and the flavors are at their peak. It makes an elegant appetizer for a dinner party or a light lunch. If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The ham and cheese can last for up to 3 days, while the arugula and pear are best consumed within 1 day. Reassembling the dish just before serving is the key to maintaining its freshness and texture. It is not recommended to freeze any of the components.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	296.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	213 g	72%
Total Fat	23.7 g	36%
Saturated Fat	8.1 g	40%
Cholesterol	33.3 mg	11%
Sodium	578.5 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	6.5 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	3.2 g	13%
Protein	15.4 g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Prosciutto Instead of Country Ham: If you can’t find country ham, prosciutto is an excellent substitute.
• Different Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used in place of Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Apple Instead of Pear: In the fall, try using thinly sliced apple instead of pear for a seasonal variation. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples would be a good choice.
• Walnuts Instead of Pine Nuts: If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, toasted walnuts or pecans can be used instead.
• Balsamic Glaze: For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, omit the country ham. You can add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty and savory element.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shaved Parmesan cheese?
A: While you can use pre-shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly shaved Parmesan will have a better flavor and texture. It tends to be more moist and melt more beautifully on the tongue.

Q: How do I prevent the pear slices from browning?
A: To prevent the pear slices from browning, you can toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the dish. However, if you’re assembling the dish right away, this isn’t usually necessary.

Q: Can I use a different type of arugula?
A: Yes, you can use regular arugula if you can’t find baby arugula. Just be sure to wash and dry it well. The baby arugula is just more delicate and tender.

Q: How long will the toasted pine nuts last?
A: Toasted pine nuts will last for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: Is it important to use extra virgin olive oil?
A: Yes, using a good quality extra virgin olive oil is important for this dish, as it adds a significant amount of flavor. Look for an olive oil with a fruity or peppery flavor.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for shavings of country ham with Parmesan, pears, and pine nuts is a testament to the power of simplicity. By combining a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is both elegant and delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to find your perfect combination. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback – and perhaps pair it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio for the ultimate culinary experience. Bon appétit!