• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
International Cuisine
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook
  • Exploring the world through food
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook
  • Exploring the world through food
  • Connect with us

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
    • Journey by Country
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • My Cookbook
    • Exploring the world through food
  • Connect with us

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    Jamon Iberico and Manchego (cured ham and cheese)

    May 14, 2020 By Darlene at International Cuisine

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Jamon Iberico and manchego are two iconic tapas in Spain. 

    Jamon Iberico de bellota is the king of cured ham.  It comes from the black hoofed pigs that roam the ancient oak forests called dehasas along the border between Spain and Portugal.

    The Iberico pig are the original swine of Spain.  They are big with slender legs and a long snout.  Iberico pigs are black with very little hair.  They have black hooves which is the source of the phrase "Pata Negra". This distinguishing black hoof remains on the ham throughout the long curing process and distinguishes from other ham like the serrano. 

    The Iberico pigs are also much fatter animals which allows it to be cured much longer giving it a true distinguished flavor. "De belotta" indicates the diet of acorns another distinguishing element.  After a long curing process the result is the most melt in your mouth bite of heaven, sweet, nutty and not too salty.

    You will see Jamon Iberico hanging in every market in Spain.  You can get a whole shoulder or a sample, I highly recommend you try it!

    A wall full of jamon hanging in a market

     

    Jamon Iberico pairs perfectly with many Spanish cheeses but my favorite is Manchego.

    Manchego comes from the La Mancha region of Spain.  It is made from the milk of the sheep of the Manchega breed. It is a firm buttery cheese with a distinct flavor.  Many well stocked grocery stores carry this cheese or you can pick some up here.

    Simply slice up the Jamon Iberico and Manchego and serve on a wooden board it is the perfect way to start any meal.  Oh, make sure you don't forget the olives.

    If you would like to learn more about the beautiful and fascinating country of Spain be sure to check out Our Journey to Spain. There you will also find more tapas recipes like Garlic Shrimp, Octopus with Potatoes, Spanish Tortilla and more.

    Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

    Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

    More Recipes

    • Ota Ika A Tongan Raw Fish Salad
    • Lo’i Feke (Octopus in Cream Sauce)
    • ‘Otai (Tongan Watermelon Drink Recipe)
    • Faikakai Malimali (Tongan Banana Dumplings)
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Filed Under: Appetizer, Recipes, Spain

    This Week's Recipes

    A bowl full of Ota Ika a Tongan Raw Fish salad made with coconut milk.

    Ota Ika A Tongan Raw Fish Salad

    a dish full of octopus in a creamy coconut and onion sauce.

    Lo’i Feke (Octopus in Cream Sauce)

    Two large glasses of Watermelon Otai garnished with lime wedges.

    ‘Otai (Tongan Watermelon Drink Recipe)

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello my name is Darlene and thank you for stopping by!

    I am cooking a meal from every country in the world. I do extensive research and choose a menu that I feel best represents the country and their cuisine. Of course that also includes the authentic, delicious recipes. Simply click on the link or the photo in the journey by country posts to get them. I also share important information about the country as well.

    More about me →


    Our Mission

    To promote cultural appreciation by cooking our way across the world, one nation at a time. To discover the struggles and joys that have influenced the people, to gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and to feel the hospitality that only sharing a meal can convey.

    Come join the journey, explore a new country each week and embark on a fantastic culinary adventure.

    Join the Journey It's Free!

    Sign up for my culinary, travel and cultural adventure delivered right to your inbox so you won't miss a thing.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 International Cuisine All rights Reserved