Spicy Melon and Serrano Ham
Easy, Moderate, Complex
Yield: 4 – 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (5 ml)
- 1 cup white wine vinegar (250 ml)
- 1 cup water (250 ml)
- 1/2cup white sugar (125 ml)
- 3 pieces lemon rind
- 1/4 of whole, peeled, seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cantelope
- 8 thin slices Serrano ham (2 per person)
- 1 cup mixed good Olives (Manzanillas, Kalamatas, green garlic) (250 ml)
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Dash coarse salt
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine spices, vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon rind. Place over medium heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Cut melons into large cubes, and pop into your pickling liquid. Let sit in pickling liquid for about a minute to allow the exotic flavours to infuse lightly.
- Lay slices of ham in centre of platter, top with a nice mound of the pickled melons. Scatter some olives, a drizzle of olive oil and a little sprinkle of coarse salt.