Description

It’s like a taste of heaven with bites of fluffy egg whites, rich runny yolks and crispy prosciutto.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

In a large non-stick pan, over medium heat, cook prosciutto until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Let cool and chop. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, on medium-high speed, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold in ½ cup (125 mL) Parmesan and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the mixed herbs. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spoon 6 large dollops of egg mixture 2-inches (5 cm) apart.  Using the back of a spoon, press small wells into the centre of each egg cloud. Bake for 3 minutes.

Top each well with an egg yolk; sprinkle with remaining cheese, herbs, pepper and prosciutto. Bake for another 3 minutes or until egg is heated through. Serve immediately.

Tip: Try other variations like diced chorizo, shredded old cheddar or Romano cheese.

FAQ

How healthy is prosciutto?

In general, processed meats are not considered healthy due to high amounts of sodium, saturated fats and calories that can be bad for overall health if consumed in large amounts. However, compared to other processed red meats, prosciutto tends to have less saturated fat as well as some nutrients that are good for health, like protein, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin B12 and more. Overall though, like many things, prosciutto should be consumed in moderation.

Can you eat prosciutto raw?

Yes, prosciutto can be eaten without cooking. Although prosciutto is uncooked pork and technically “raw”, the meat is dry-cured with salt for several weeks. Dry-curing removes moisture from the meat, which prevents bacteria from growing in the meat. The curing process is what makes the meat safe for consumers to eat without cooking. 

What happens if you cook prosciutto?

Despite not needing to be cooked, prosciutto can be fried or baked. Cooking prosciutto will create a crispier texture similar to bacon.

Does prosciutto need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria, which causes products to last longer. Pre-sliced prosciutto must be refrigerated as the slices have more opportunity for growing bacteria. This is especially important once the package is opened as contaminants can enter the package, causing the prosciutto to go bad.

Whole legs of cured prosciutto that have not been cut may not need to be refrigerated. After you slice off your piece of prosciutto, always remember to cover the remaining leg with air-tight plastic or aluminum foil to prevent contaminants from entering the prosciutto.

How long does prosciutto last in the fridge after opening?

Although this may vary with the type of prosciutto, prosciutto typically only lasts 2-3 days in the refrigerator after opening.

 

Brought to you by: Egg Farmers of Ontario