Rainy days call for comfort food, and what’s more comforting than a delicious ham?
If you’re not familiar with toupie ham, you’re missing out on a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes.
This French-style ham is boneless and easy to cut, making it perfect for quick weeknight suppers or as the centerpiece of a special meal.
But what exactly is toupie ham, and how can you prepare it to bring out its delicious flavor?
Let’s dive in and explore the world of toupie ham.
What Is Toupie Ham?
Toupie ham gets its name from the French word “toupie,” which means spinning top. This is because the ham’s shape resembles that of a spinning top toy.
This cut of meat is made from the entire leg of the ham and is usually sold deboned and pre-cooked. Traditionally, it used to be sold with the bone and a thick layer of fat, but most consumers now prefer it with only a thin layer of outside fat.
Toupie ham is fully cooked and ready to serve, but cooking it beforehand can enhance its flavor. It’s also an excellent ingredient for enhancing sandwiches, pasta bakes, omelets, or as a center-of-plate ham steak.
The History Of Toupie Ham
The history of toupie ham can be traced back to the ancient Etruscan civilization in the 6th and 5th century BC, where traces of production of cured ham have been found. Cato the Elder wrote about the “salting of hams” in his De agri cultura tome around 160 BC, and it was a well-established food by the Roman period, as evidenced by an import trade from Gaul mentioned by Marcus Terentius Varro in his writings.
Larousse Gastronomique claims that toupie ham originated from Gaul, while others claim that the Chinese were the first to mention the production of cured ham. However, regardless of its origin, toupie ham has become a popular food item around the world.
The modern word “ham” is derived from the Old English word “ham” or “hom,” which means the hollow or bend of the knee. It began to refer to the cut of pork derived from the hind leg of a pig around the 15th century.
Today, toupie ham is an iconic meat that can be found in many different forms and preparations. From traditional whole hams to sliced deli meat, toupie ham is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you choose to cook it beforehand or serve it as is, toupie ham is a delicious addition to any meal.
How Toupie Ham Is Made
Toupie ham is made by first selecting high-quality meat from pork legs. The meat is then cured and smoked to give it its distinct flavor. The ham is then deboned and pre-cooked for convenience.
To add even more flavor, a delicious citrus coating can be added to the ham, along with pineapple rings and red grapes. The ham is then cooked for an additional hour, allowing the pineapple flavor to infuse into the meat and making the outside slightly crisp while keeping the inside juicy.
Forming the ham into its unique shape requires a special ham press made of adjustable pressure screens that allow smoke to pass through. The mold with the ham inside is then placed in hot water (176-180º F, 80-82º C) and cooked until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 155-160° F (68-72° C).
While it may seem like a simple process, forming a shaped meat product like Toupie ham requires careful attention to detail. The different pieces of meat must stick together and keep their shape when heated, which is achieved by forming a sticky exudate on the surface of the meat. This exudate is produced by disrupting the cellular structure of the muscle through physical actions like cutting or mechanically moving the meat within a tumbler.
Before tumbling, salt and phosphate are infused into the meat to help it release more protein. This protein, myosin, is released when the cellular structure of the muscle is damaged, resulting in exudate that acts as a glue to hold the different pieces of meat together.
Toupie Ham Vs. Other Types Of Ham
When it comes to comparing toupie ham to other types of ham, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
Firstly, toupie ham is made from the entire leg of the ham, whereas other types of ham may be made from specific cuts of the pig. This can affect the texture and flavor of the meat.
Secondly, toupie ham is usually sold pre-cooked and deboned, making it a convenient option for quick meals. Other types of ham may require more preparation or cooking time.
Lastly, toupie ham tends to have a milder flavor compared to other types of ham, which can make it a good choice for those who prefer a less intense taste. However, this also means that it may not be as flavorful as some other types of ham.
Choosing And Storing Toupie Ham
When selecting toupie ham, it’s important to pay attention to the label and look for key indicators of quality. Avoid hams that are labeled as “water added” or contain “water product” as they may produce a lacy texture when thawed. Instead, opt for hams without added water to maintain the original texture.
If you’re purchasing pre-cooked toupie ham, make sure to check the expiration date and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. If you’re freezing leftover ham, ensure that it’s cooled and dry before wrapping it in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. Tightly cover with foil and place in another freezer bag or storage container to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating toupie ham, follow the instructions on the package. To glaze the ham, turn the oven to 400F, brush the ham with the glaze, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the glaze is browned and bubbling. Slow cooker method is also an option, where you can add some coke or Pepsi, chicken broth, or water; about 1 cup will do it. Cover and cook on low for 5-8 hours until thoroughly heated.
Cooking With Toupie Ham: Recipe Ideas
If you’re wondering what to do with your toupie ham, here are some recipe ideas to get you started:
1. Glazed Toupie Ham: This recipe is simple and easy to make. Preheat your oven to 350F and place the ham in a baking dish with about 1 cup of beer surrounding it. Cover it with a lid or foil and cook for about 20 minutes. Remove the lid or foil and smear mustard over the exposed sides of the ham. Sprinkle brown sugar over the mustard and pat it in, then drizzle honey over the top. Turn up the oven to 450F and place the ham back in, uncovered. After about ten minutes, remove it from the oven and spoon the glaze from the pan over the ham. Cook for another 10 minutes until caramelized.
2. Ham and Egg Bake: This is a great breakfast dish that’s easy to make. Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a baking dish. Cut your toupie ham into small pieces and spread them evenly in the dish. Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk them together with some milk, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Pour the egg mixture over the ham in the baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until set.
3. Ham Pasta: This is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for using up leftover toupie ham. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. While it’s cooking, heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced toupie ham and cook until heated through. Toss the cooked pasta with the ham mixture, adding some grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
4. Ham Soup: This hearty soup is perfect for a cold day. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Add diced toupie ham and cook until heated through. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add your favorite vegetables such as potatoes or corn, as well as any herbs or seasonings you like. Simmer until all ingredients are tender.
These are just a few ideas to get you started cooking with toupie ham. With its versatility and delicious flavor, this cut of meat is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!