The culinary world is full of delicious combinations that delight our palate and invite us to try new experiences. One of these marvellous fusions is scrambled eggs and ham.
This recipe combines the tender texture of the elvers, the intense flavour of the ham and the softness of the egg to offer a dish full of flavour and tradition.
If you have never tried a good scrambled egg and ham scramble, you are about to discover how to make it at home. Let’s get to work!
Ingredients for the scrambled eggs with ham and gulas
Before embarking on the preparation, it is essential to understand our ingredients.
- La Gula del Norte: Gulas are a product that emulates elvers, but are much more affordable. They are made from fish and have a soft, slightly springy texture, making them ideal for stir-fry recipes.
- Ham: Depending on your preferences and budget, you can opt for Serrano ham or Iberian ham. Serrano ham has a strong, dry flavour, while Iberian ham, which comes from the Iberian pig, is fattier and has a more intense, exquisite flavour. Both are excellent choices for our recipe for elvers with egg and ham.
- Egg: The ingredient that brings everything together! Its creamy texture and neutral flavour is perfect to complement the strong flavour of the ham and the peculiar texture of the gulas.
How to make scrambled eggs and ham with gulas
Making a scrambled egg and ham scramble may seem simple at first glance, but, like any recipe, it has its secrets to perfection.
We are going to detail each step so that you not only prepare a dish, but an unforgettable culinary experience.
Preparation of the ingredients:
- Ham: Choose a good Serrano or Iberian ham. Remember that the quality of the ham will influence the final flavour. Next, cut the ham into small strips or cubes, according to your preference. If you opt for Iberian ham, you will notice that it is fattier, which can enhance the flavour of the scrambled eggs.
- Gulas: Make sure you drain the gulas well if they are canned. It is important that they do not have excess liquid to prevent the scrambled eggs from becoming watery.
- Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl, beat them lightly, making sure not to incorporate too much air. This will give the scrambled eggs a creamy texture.
Sautéing the gulas:
- Start by heating a frying pan over medium heat with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Once hot, add the gulas. The aim is for them to take on a little heat and mix with the flavour of the oil, but without becoming toasted.
- After a few minutes, and before the gulas are completely cooked, add the serrano ham or Iberian ham that you have previously cut up.
Add the eggs:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and drying out.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and stir constantly with a spatula. This constant stirring will result in a smooth, juicy scramble.
- The idea is to obtain a scramble in which the egg is slightly runny, so that, when it sits for a few seconds off the heat, it reaches the right point of cooking.
Finishing and presentation:
- Once the scrambled egg has the desired texture, remove it from the heat. Do not leave it too long in the hot pan so that it does not continue to cook.
- Serve immediately on a plate, and if you prefer, you can decorate it with some additional strips of ham and some chopped fresh parsley to give it a touch of colour and freshness.
Remember that, as with any recipe, practice makes perfect. So, if it doesn’t come out perfectly the first time, don’t be discouraged.
With time, you will manage to master this delicious scrambled egg and ham scramble and make it one of your favourite dishes.
The ideal pairing for your scrambled egg and Spanish ham with La Gula del Norte
Pairing is not simply the act of combining a food with a drink, it is an art that, when done correctly, can exalt and enhance the flavours of both elements.
Let’s explore the best pairing options for our scrambled eggs and ham with gulas, considering the textures and flavours of this delicious dish.
Spanish White wines:
- Albariño: This Galician wine has a fruity aroma and a refreshing acidity that can balance and enhance the unctuousness of the scrambled eggs, especially for the gulas and ham.
- Verdejo: Produced in the Rueda region, this wine has herbal and citrus hints that add freshness and cleanse the palate between mouthfuls.
Spanish Rosé wines:
- Their freshness and lightness can be perfect for not overshadowing the flavours of the stir-fry. A young rosé, with fruity notes, can counteract the salty flavour of the ham and complement the gulas.
Spanish Beers:
- Lager: The lightness and freshness of lagers can make a perfect counterpoint to the dish without overshadowing any of its ingredients.
- Wheat beer: The fruity notes and slightly spicy character of wheat beers can complement the mix of flavours in the stir fry.
Non-alcoholic beverages:
- Flavoured waters: A water with a hint of lemon, cucumber or mint can be refreshing and help balance the dish.
- Cold lemonade: This citrusy drink can be an excellent choice for those who do not drink alcohol. The acidity of the lemonade complements the unctuousness of the egg and contrasts with the flavour of the ham.
Spanish Cider:
- A natural or sparkling cider can be an interesting option. The acidity and bubbles of cider can cleanse the palate and prepare it for the next bite.
Cavas or sparkling wines:
- The bubbles and acidity of a cava can offer a different experience, where textures are enhanced and the palate is cleansed after each mouthful.
When selecting a pairing, remember that, beyond the rules, it is your personal enjoyment that is essential.
Although these suggestions can enhance the experience, the best pairing will always be the one that you like the most and that makes you enjoy your scrambled eggs with ham and gulas to the fullest.
Why include Iberian ham or Serrano ham in the recipe?
Ham, whether it is Iberian ham or Serrano ham, is not just another ingredient in our scrambled eggs with egg recipe.
It is a component that gives personality, flavour and tradition to the dish. Let’s see why this ingredient is so essential in this preparation:
- Tradition and gastronomic culture: Ham is a mainstay of Spanish gastronomy. Its presence evokes festivities, family gatherings and the country’s rich culinary heritage. By including it in a recipe, we are adding not only flavour, but also a touch of tradition.
- Depth of flavour:
- Serrano ham: With a curing process that usually ranges from 7 to 16 months, Serrano ham has a milder, less fatty flavour than its Iberian counterpart, but with a point of saltiness and a dry touch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the gulas and egg.
- Iberian ham: This is a top-of-the-range ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs. Its flavour is more intense, with fruity nuances and a fatty texture that melts in the mouth. Its incorporation in the scrambled eggs adds a gourmet touch and an unmistakable flavour.
- Texture and contrast: The fibrous yet tender texture of the ham contrasts with the creaminess of the egg and the particular texture of the gulas. This combination of textures turns each mouthful into a unique experience, where the characteristics of each ingredient can be appreciated.
- Nutritional richness: Beyond the flavour, ham also provides nutrients. It is a good source of protein, B vitamins, zinc and iron. In addition, Iberian ham, thanks to the acorns on which the Iberian pig is fed, contains oleic acid, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Versatility in the preparation: Depending on the cut and the amount of ham we use, we can vary the intensity of the flavour in our scrambled eggs. From small cubes that give us salty surprises in each bite to longer strips that intertwine with the gulas, the ham adapts to the creativity of the cook.
- Aesthetics of the dish: Visually, the reddish and pinkish tones of the ham add colour and life to the scrambled eggs, breaking the chromatic monotony and making the dish more appetising.
Scrambled eggs with egg and ham is more than a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that combines tradition and flavour.
Whether using Serrano ham or Iberian ham, the result will be a dish that will win everyone’s heart.
Don’t wait any longer and prepare it at home!
