What to do with leftover ham: 12 chefs share creative ideas

MANILA, Philippines — Still got some leftover ham from the holidays in the refrigerator?

It’s time to work your magic into those delightful slices of cured meat and breathe new life into them! 

What creative dishes can you whip up using leftover ham? We asked some chef-friends for ideas, and here is what they said:

MYKE ‘TATUNG’ SARTHOU

Tindeli/Azadore/Lore/ Pandan Asian Café

"I make ham spread. Dice the ham, and mix with mayonnaise and grated cheese. Or add to soup or make fried rice with them."

HENY SISON

Heny Sison Culinary School

"You can make Sinigang na Ham and Ham Empanada.

"For the Sinigang na Ham, cut ham into cubes, then cook the way you will cook your sinigang.

"For the empanada, cut ham into small cubes then add to your empanada filling."

TOTO ERFE

Center for Asian Culinary Studies/Tito Toto’s

"I really buy ham after the holidays. Sale price na! It’s usually at 50 to 70% off already. It allows me to make ham breakfast anytime. I like making sandwiches with Christmas hams, with ham, cheese and lettuce on a burger bun as my favorite.

"Ham is very versatile. You can use it in pasta, fried rice, baked rice, salads, potato salads, omelets, add-ons for soups, braised/stewed food, or casseroles. You can also use ham in pastries, such as pies and quiches..

"More often, I like ham just pan-fried, served with garlic rice, and fried potatoes or hash-browns, and crispy runny eggs."

WAYA ARAOS-WIJANGCO

Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya

"Fatty bits of ham bones go into Fabada or Pochero, and bits of meat go into quiches, cream soups and omelets."

MICHAEL SANTOS

The Alley by Vikings

"You can do a lot of things with leftover ham, like ham sandwich, fried rice, congee, omelet, and frittata. I also make an olive oil penne pasta dish with ham and roasted cherry tomatoes.

"Leftover ham can also be used as mixture for canapés and deviled eggs.

"Let me share a ham and potato frittata recipe with you:

HAM AND POTATO FRITTATA

INGREDIENTS:

100 grams leftover Majestic Ham, shredded

2 Tbsps. butter

1 pc. medium potato, small diced

4 medium eggs, beaten

1 small bunch spring onion, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch smoked paprika

PROCEDURE:

1.Heat 1 Tbsp.