When you want to give your food a burst of savory flavor, ham powder is a handy and flexible ingredient that can raise the quality of many recipes. But what is ham powder, and how can it be used in cooking? This article will talk about where ham powder comes from, how it can be used in the kitchen, and some creative ways to add it to your favorite dishes.
Ham powder may sound like an unusual ingredient, but it’s actually a handy pantry staple that can add a delicious punch of flavor to many dishes. As a writer and home cook, I’m always looking for ways to impart savory, smoky flavors into my cooking. So when I first encountered ham powder, I knew it could be a game-changer in my kitchen.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what ham powder is, how it’s made, and creative ways to use it in your cooking I’ll also share my favorite ham powder recipe so you can see firsthand how it can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary. Let’s dive in!
What Is Ham Powder?
Ham powder is simply ham that has been cooked, dehydrated, and ground into a fine powder. The process of dehydrating the ham preserves the salty, smoky flavor and allows it to be shelf-stable in powder form. The resulting powder is concentrated in taste, so you only need a small amount to impart a punch of hammy flavor.
Ham powder can be made from various cuts of ham, including smoked ham, country ham, or prosciutto. The quality of the original ham affects the flavor of the powder. High-quality ham powder derived from cured ham will provide the most authentic, robust flavor.
How Is Ham Powder Made?
The process for making ham powder is fairly simple:
-
Ham is cooked thoroughly either through baking, smoking, or curing This enhances the flavor.
-
The cooked ham is then dehydrated at low temperatures. This removes moisture and preserves the ham.
-
Once fully dried, the ham is ground into a super fine powder using commercial grinders.
-
It may be blended with additional spices or preservatives to boost flavor and shelf life
-
The resulting ham powder is packaged and made ready for consumers and restaurants.
The end product is a concentrated, powdery ham essence that packs a savory punch!
Versatile Uses for Ham Powder in Cooking
Now that you know what ham powder is, let’s talk about the fun part – how to use it! Ham powder is a versatile seasoning that can enhance a variety of recipes:
Boosting savory flavor – Sprinkling a pinch of ham powder into soups, stews, beans, grains or sauce imparts a hit of rich, meaty flavor. It’s great for vegetarian dishes too.
Enhancing vegetables – Ham powder pairs deliciously with roasted veggies like potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts. The smoky flavor complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Pasta and rice – Stir a teaspoon or two of ham powder into rice pilafs, pasta salads, risottos or other grain dishes for a pop of savoriness. It adds complexity.
Seasoning meats – Rub or sprinkle ham powder onto chicken, pork and beef before cooking to form a tasty, crispy crust. It also makes a great addition to meatloaf or burger mixes.
Savory baking – Add ham powder to biscuit dough, scones, breads, cornbread or muffins to incorporate a subtle smoky aroma and flavor.
Snacks – Toss ham powder on popcorn, crackers, pretzels or nuts for an irresistible savory snack. It also makes a stellar rim for bloody marys!
Flavor booster – Use ham powder in place of salt in recipes for a boost of rich flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to taste.
The possibilities are endless! Ham powder is one of the most versatile flavor enhancers for recipes both savory and sweet.
My Favorite Ham Powder Recipes
To give you a taste of how ham powder can transform a dish, here are a couple of my favorite recipes that highlight this powdery pork product:
Ham Powder & Cheese Biscuits
These fluffy, savory biscuits are simple to make but packed with flavor. The ham powder adds a tasty crunch to the exterior and a wonderful smokiness to each bite. They’re great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 tsp ham powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 5 Tbsp cold butter, diced
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, ham powder and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk and cheese just until combined.
- Turn dough onto floured surface and knead briefly. Roll out to 3/4 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
- Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Ham Powder & Pea Frittata
This eggy bake gets a hit of savoriness from ham powder. It’s easy enough for a weekday breakfast but also makes an impressive brunch dish.
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp ham powder
- 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat broiler on high. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, ham powder, salt and pepper.
- Add peas, parmesan and chives. Pour into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Broil 6 inches from heat 5-7 minutes until set. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
The ham powder provides a tasty smoky flavor that complements the classic egg and pea combo. This simple veggie frittata makes a satisfying meal any time of day.
Tips for Using Ham Powder
Now that you’re inspired to start cooking with ham powder, here are a few quick tips:
-
Start with small amounts – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon – and increase to taste. A little goes a long way!
-
Mix it into rubs, breadcrumbs or flour for an all-purpose savory coating.
-
For best flavor, bloom ham powder briefly in warm oil or liquids before adding to recipes.
-
Pair ham powder with cheese, eggs, potatoes or cruciferous veggies. It loves bold flavors!
-
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep for up to a year.
-
Look for high-quality ham powders made from cured ham for the best flavor.
Benefits of Ham Powder
Using ham powder in your cooking offers several benefits:
- Being easy: It’s quick and easy to add ham flavor to food without having to cook and chop fresh ham.
- With a long shelf life, ham powder is a useful thing to keep in your pantry.
- Usefulness: It can be added to a lot of different recipes, from sweet to savory, to make them more interesting.
Creative Ways to Use Ham Powder
Looking to get creative with ham powder in the kitchen? Here are a few inventive ideas to try:
- Ham-flavored popcorn: For a tasty snack with a twist, sprinkle ham powder over freshly popped popcorn.
- Butter with Ham: Melt butter and add ham powder. Spread the butter on warm bread or put it on top of grilled steaks.
- Vegetables seasoned with ham: Before roasting your favorite vegetables, sprinkle them with ham powder for a surprise flavor boost.
How do I use a ham glaze packet?
What is Ham powder & how does it work?
Ham powder, also known as Prague powder #1, is a compound that contains 6.25 percent sodium nitrite. It is naturally occurring and gives ham (as well as pastrami, corned beef, and bacon) its rosy hue and rich umami flavor. More importantly, it prevents botulism and other bacterial contamination in ham.
Can ham be made at home?
Surprisingly easy to make at home is ham of the smoked, wet-cured variety. You’ll need time, refrigerator space and one special ingredient: pink curing salt.
What is a ham?
Before diving into the finer details, let’s start with a little foundational education and explore what ham actually is. When we say “ham,” we’re typically talking about a specific cut of pork, and most of the time, it’s taken from the leg.
What is uncured ham?
Hams labeled as “uncured” or “free of nitrates and nitrites” are, confusingly, still cured. They are salted to remove moisture, and almost always contain ingredients like celery or beet extracts that are a source of naturally occurring nitrates.