Prosciutto cotto, or “cooked ham,” is bright pink in color and lighter in flavor than its crudo cousin. This prosciutto is slowly cooked at controlled temperatures, then cut into tender, moist slices. Sometimes prosciutto cotto is seasoned or brined with herbs, spices, and even truffles for an added flavor twist.
Tender, delicate and versatile deli meat, 'prosciutto cotto' (cooked ham) has relatively recent origins but has known how to win over Italians quickly, thanks to its many uses also in the kitchen, becoming one of the most sold and appreciated “salumeria” products. Top quality pig legs are used, they are massaged to favor the absorption of the flavorings (salt, pepper, bay leaves, juniper) and introduced into special molds that determine the various shapes of the product. They are successively slowly and delicately steam cooked at a temperature of about 70° C, which gives the 'prosciutto cotto' (cooked ham) that unique harmony between the compactness of the slice, the right level of moisture and tenderness and also the delicate flavor.
Serve prosciutto cotto in a panino or alongside bold cheeses, accompanied by a crisp white wine.