Serrano Ham Rolls with Mango and Arugula

Recipe for Serrano Ham Rolls with Mango and Arugula: Irresistible Freshness

Hello! We're going to prepare some bites that are pure magic on the palate and will make you look like a queen (or king) of the kitchen with hardly any effort. The combination of Serrano Ham with the tropical sweetness of Mango and the slightly spicy touch of the Arugula creates a perfect balance of Flavors. It's an Appetizer ideal to start a meal with joy or to enjoy as a light tapas dinner.

Preparation time

To organize ourselves well in the kitchen, it is essential to be clear about how long this delicious Recipe. There's nothing worse than rushing, so here's the breakdown for you to enjoy the process:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 0 minutes (totally cold!)
• Total: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

The quality of the raw material is the secret to this dish. As it is a cold preparation, the flavors are not hidden, so look for fresh ingredients at their perfect point of ripeness. Here's what we'll need to succeed:

• 12 slices of Serrano Ham (thin and good quality)
• 1 Mango large (ripe but firm, not fibrous)
• 50 grams of Arugula fresh (washed and dried)
• 150 grams of cream cheese (Philadelphia type) or soft spreadable goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar reduction or honey (Optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (Optional)

Substitutions and Notes

If you can't find an ingredient in your market or prefer to vary the flavors, don't worry. If the Mango it's not in season, you can substitute it with cantaloupe melon or even peaches in syrup (well drained), although the fresh touch changes a bit. In case you are looking for a more intense flavor similar to goat cheese stuffed dates, you can change the cream cheese for a mild blue cheese or gorgonzola mixed with a little cream. If you don't have Arugula, lamb's lettuce or baby spinach sprouts also work wonderfully, providing a similar crunch though less spicy.

Utensils we will use

You don't need sophisticated equipment for this recipe, but having the right tools at hand will make the job much smoother and cleaner. We are going to use basic utensils that you surely have at home:

• Cutting board (large and stable)
• Chef's knife or sharp knife (for the mango)
• Spreading knife or small spatula
• Kitchen paper (to dry the arugula)
• Plate or flat platter for serving
• A vegetable peeler (optional, for the mango skin)

Preparation

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps carefully and you'll see how easy it is to assemble these Rolls of Spanish cuisine with a tropical twist. We're going to go step by step so they turn out perfect.

1. Prepare the mango

   The first thing is to prepare the fruit. Wash the mango under the tap and dry it. Peel it carefully using the knife or peeler, trying not to remove too much pulp. Once peeled, cut the mango «flesh» separating it from the flat central pit. Now, cut that pulp into sticks or strips approximately 1 centimeter thick and the length of the width of your ham slices. It is important that they are uniform so that when you bite, all the rolls have the same texture.

2. Temper and prepare the ham

   Take the Serrano Ham from the fridge about 10 minutes before starting. This helps the fat temper and the slices separate without breaking. Place the slices spread out on a clean cutting board. If they are very long, you can cut them in half, but for a substantial roll, use it whole. Lightly pat them dry with kitchen paper if you see excess moisture, although their own fat is delicious.

3. Spread the creamy base

   With a spreading knife or spatula, spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each slice of ham. There's no need to reach the very edges to prevent it from spilling out when rolling. This layer of cheese will act as «glue» and provide a creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the crispness of the arugula. If you like stronger flavors like in the goat cheese appetizers, be generous with the cheese.

4. Fill with the green and sweet heart

   At one end of the ham slice (over the cheese), place a small bunch of Arugula, leaves, letting some tips peek out from the sides for aesthetic appeal. On top of the arugula, place one or two mango sticks, depending on the thickness. Don't overload it or it will be difficult to close.

5. Roll firmly

   Start rolling from the end where you placed the filling towards the empty side. Do it with some pressure (without squashing the mango) so that the roll is compact and doesn't fall apart when lifted. The cheese will help the end of the ham stick and stay closed.

To finish and serve

Once all the rolls are formed, place them on your serving platter. Just before bringing them to the table, you can drizzle a very thin stream of extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of balsamic reduction or honey over them to give them shine and enhance the flavor. If you like, a touch of freshly ground black pepper goes great with them. Serve them immediately so the arugula stays crispy. You can accompany these rolls with breadsticks or integrate them into a snack table alongside hot options like caprese skewers to have a variety of temperatures and colors.

Nutritional Information

Here's an estimate of what each of these delicious bites provides. They are perfect if you are looking for something tasty but controlled, although remember that values may vary depending on the size of the mango or the type of ham you choose.

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Proteins: 5 g
• Fats: 4.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g

Note: Daily percentage values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

5 keys to make it perfect

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that require the most attention to detail. As a chef, I've seen that small adjustments make the difference between a «normal» appetizer and a spectacular one. Here are my secrets:

1. The ripeness of the mango is vital:
Neither too green nor too overripe. If it's green, it will be acidic and hard, ruining the silky texture of the ham. If it's too ripe, it will release a lot of juice and wet the plate, making it difficult to eat by hand. Look for that point where your finger sinks slightly when pressing the skin, but it maintains resistance.

2. Ham at room temperature:
Never, but never, assemble the rolls with ham freshly taken from the fridge at 4 degrees. The cold «numbs» the flavor of Iberian or Serrano fat. Take it out beforehand; it will sweat a little and have all its aroma, similar to when we prepare a stuffed loin where the meat's temperature affects the final result.

3. Arugula well dried:
After washing it, make sure to put it through a lettuce spinner or dry it very well with paper. If water remains on the leaves, the cream cheese will not adhere well and the bite will be watery, losing that elegance we are looking for.

4. Slice thickness:
Ask your butcher to cut the ham thinly, but not transparently. We need it to have structure to support the weight of the mango and cheese without breaking when rolling, but also to be easy to bite and chew without becoming a «ball».

5. The final acidic touch:
The mango is sweet and the ham is salty and fatty. A few drops of balsamic vinegar cream or even a few drops of lemon on the mango before rolling help to «cleanse» the palate and make you want to eat another immediately. It's the same principle we use when serving artichokes in white wine, where acidity balances the dish.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

These rolls of Serrano Ham with mango are incredibly versatile. I especially recommend them for summer dinners on the terrace, as they do not require turning on the oven or hobs, and their freshness helps combat the heat. They are the Appetizer perfect for entertaining guests because you can have the ingredients ready and assemble them at the last minute, or leave them made 20 minutes before in the fridge (covered with film so the ham doesn't oxidize).

They also work wonderfully on festive Christmas tables as a light alternative to heavy starters. Their colors (red, orange, green) decorate the table on their own. If you are planning a complete menu, consider serving them before a more substantial main course, such as some stuffed chicken breasts, as they prepare the stomach without filling it too much.

Comparison table

It's normal to hesitate between several options of Tapas cold. To help you decide if this is the recipe you need today, I have prepared this comparison with other classics of our gastronomy and international options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know if you've been encouraged to try this combination or if you've given it your own personal touch. Perhaps you used papaya instead of mango? Or added a touch of spicy honey? Leave your comment and share your own little tricks with the community! I'm very excited to read how you adapt recipes in your homes.

Culinary glossary

So you don't get lost with any term and cook with complete confidence, here I explain some words we have used:

• Slice: Refers to a thin slice or sheet of food, in this case, very thinly sliced ham.
• Plating: It is the art of placing food on the presentation plate aesthetically and neatly before serving it to the table.
• Reduction: It is the process of cooking a liquid (such as balsamic vinegar) so that some of the water evaporates, thickening and concentrating its flavor.
• Sticks: Type of cut in the shape of an elongated rectangular strip, similar to a classic French fry, which we use for the mango.
• Temper: To allow a food that was cold to naturally reach room temperature so that it recovers its flavor and texture properties.

Serrano Ham Rolls with Mango and Arugula

Serrano Ham Rolls with Mango and Arugula: step-by-step recipe creamy and very smooth. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: rolls, ham, serrano, with, mango, arugula, Mexican, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT10M

Cooking Time: PT0M

Total Time: PT10M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 6 thin slices of quality serrano ham, preferably from renowned brands such as Cinco Jotas or Navidul
• 1 ripe mango, cut into thin, long strips
• 1 cup of fresh arugula leaves, well washed and dried
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar from Finca Pascualete
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil from La Huerta de Doña Rogelia
• Season to taste with ground black pepper from Trofolast or Montaraz
• Optional: a few drops of spicy honey to enhance the sweet and savory contrast

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 0 minutes

Total: :

Total: 10 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 6 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Prepare the ingredients: :

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the arugula leaves. Peel the mango with a soft peeler and cut it into long, thin strips. Make sure the strips are easy to roll with the ham.

Assemble the rolls: :

Assemble the rolls: Lay out a slice of serrano ham on the board. Place a few arugula leaves at one end, followed by a strip of mango. The ideal amount is enough so you can roll without it being too tight.

Roll with precision: :

Roll with precision: Carefully roll the ham from the end with the ingredients, forming a compact cylinder. Repeat with all slices.

Dress and serve: :

Dress and serve: Place the rolls on a plate and drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add black pepper to taste and, if desired, a few drops of honey to accentuate the contrast of flavors.

Choose fresh, quality ingredients: :

Choose fresh, quality ingredients: The key to a delicious flavor lies in the good selection of ham, mango, and arugula. Always opt for recognized products like Serranos de Montaraz or Iberitos.

Control the thickness of the slices: :

Control the thickness of the slices: Recommended that they be thin, to facilitate rolling without breaking the ham and maintain a uniform appearance.

Consistency in mango cutting: :

Consistency in mango cutting: The length and thinness of the strips ensure a compact and presentable roll, in addition to better releasing the flavors.

Serve immediately after preparing::

Serve immediately after preparing: To maintain freshness and texture, it is preferable to enjoy the rolls on the same day, preventing the sauce or juices from making them soggy.

Editor's Rating:
4.5