HAM IS NOT BORING
Get that out of your head
There is this idea that ham is only a holiday thing. A leftover thing. A thing you cube into omelets when you have nothing better to use. But I keep coming back to it because, the truth is, ham is one of the most affordable and high-impact ingredients you can keep in your kitchen.
Salt, fat, smoke, and sweetness already built in. Serious flavor for a fraction of what you would pay for other proteins.
Ham is a shortcut to flavor, but it is also a canvas when you treat it with intention. Slow heat. Bright acids. Crisp greens. Soft dough. A little miso, citrus, or fennel to pull it into a new world. These dishes do that. They stretch a dollar without feeling like they are stretching anything at all.
Braised Ham and Fennel Salad With Citrus Shallot Vinaigrette
Warm braised ham is folded into shaved fennel and baby corn with a sharp citrus vinaigrette. The whole thing feels fresh and lifted. It is proof that inexpensive cuts can still feel clean, modern, and bright.
White Cheddar Biscuits With Ham Confit and Asparagus
Ham confit turns bargain cuts into pure luxury. Pair it with flaky cheddar biscuits and roasted asparagus and you get a dish that tastes like a splurge without the price tag. Soft, crisp, buttery, and deeply comforting.
Braised Ham Hock With Miso Butter, Green Beans, and Shishito Peppers
Ham hocks are one of the best value ingredients in the grocery store. Slow braise them with miso butter and they become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The green beans and shishitos bring balance and snap. It is comfort food with range.
A Palate Passport® to NYC’s Lower East Side
Classic delis, tiny counters, quiet corners, loud bars, the whole thing. This neighorhood is one of the most electric in New York City and the food tells the story better than anyone could. If you need a little inspiration for where to eat next time you’re in the city, this is your guide.