If you are lucky enough to have leftover ham, skip the sandwiches and use it to make some delicious meals. Make an extra meal and stick it in the freezer for later.
Rice and Lentils with Ham The ham brings a salty-sweet taste to this mix of lentils, rice and spices from the Middle East. Serve it with fresh green salad. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 cup brown lentils 3 cups lower-salt chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup basmati rice 3 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced 2 tsp minced fresh ginger 2 cups chopped leftover ham 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar Heat 2 Tbsp of the oil in a heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sugar, pepper and turmeric and cook, stirring until a shade darker, about 1 minute. Stir in the lentils, and then add the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice, bring back to a simmer, and then cook, covered, over low heat until the liquid is absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender, about 22 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and ginger, cover and cook stirring once or twice, for 10 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring often, until very browned and caramelized, about 30 minutes. When the rice and lentils are ready, sprinkle the ham on top, cover, and set aside off the heat to warm the ham through, about 10 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice-lentil mixture, and season to taste with salt. Serve topped with the onions and sprinkled with the vinegar.Country Ham Relish This is a delicious sandwich spread. A bit more exciting than just sliced ham. 11/2 cup ham, diced 1/2 cup golden raisins 4 oz cream cheese, softened 3 Tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream; more as needed 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish Freshly ground black pepper Scatter half the ham in the food processor. Add half the raisins. Add the rest of the ham and raisins. Pulse until very few raisins are left whole. In a bowl mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, and relish until smooth. Add the ham mixture and combine until spreadable. Adjust the texture with more mayonnaise, if desired. Season with freshly ground black pepper. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
