I recently devised these Ibérico and fig nests for a sponsored entry on my Spanish blog. And they were a success, if I may say so, not only at home but with my readers, that’s why I’m posting them here as a delicious tapa. Maybe you’re still in time to catch up with the last figs of the season… Ibérico ham with figs is a match made in heaven, as simple as that.
Be sure to get yourself a premium Ibérico ham, you’ll notice the difference. To the point:
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School of tapas: Ibérico ham and figs on potato nests
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the exquisite combination of Ibérico ham and fresh figs nestled in crispy potato nests, a true Spanish tapa experience.
Ingredients
- 1 medium potato
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 3 slices Ibérico ham
- 1 fresh fig
- Fresh rosemary (optional, for flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Peel the potato and cut it into thin straws using a blade slicer or similar gadget.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the potato straws and sauté slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook them in the microwave until soft.
- Season the potatoes with salt and fresh rosemary, if using, for additional flavor.
- Arrange the crispy potato straws into small nests on a serving plate.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese inside each potato nest.
- Top each cheese slice with a slice of Ibérico ham.
- Cut the fresh fig into quarters and place a piece on top of each ham slice.
- Serve immediately, allowing the warmth of the potatoes to slightly melt the cheese, and enjoy with a glass of Spanish red wine.
Notes
- Use premium Ibérico ham for the best flavor.
- Fresh rosemary adds a delightful aroma to the potatoes.
- Serve with a good Spanish red wine for a complete experience.
- If figs are out of season, consider using a fig jam as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 30
Lastly, enjoy the nests along a good Spanish red wine, while the fig juices oozing out the corners of your mouth.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
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- Traditional Authentic Seafood Paella
- Fried Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad
- Brandada de Bacalao: Catalan Cod Spread
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ibérico ham special, and does the quality really matter here?
Ibérico ham comes from a specific breed of Iberian pig and has an intense, nutty flavor. The article directly says to get yourself a premium Ibérico ham and that you will notice the difference — its quality is central to the dish.
What if fresh figs are out of season?
The notes say if figs are out of season, fig jam is a good alternative. A small dollop in each potato nest in place of the fresh fig quarter provides the sweet counterpoint to the salty ham.
How do I make the potato straws crispy without deep-frying?
The instructions say to sauté the thin potato straws slowly in olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy — about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, the recipe notes they can be cooked in the microwave until soft if preferred.
