Jamon (Spanish cured ham)

Tapas with Spanish sausage is a true embodiment of the passion of Spanish cuisine, where simplicity meets rich flavors. This snack masterpiece originates from the tradition of Spanish tapas – small portions of food accompanying friendly conversations and a glass of wine. A crispy baguette infused with the aroma of olive oil creates the perfect base for creamy cheese and spicy mustard. Tomato sauce adds a slight tang that harmonizes with thin slices of ham and sun-dried tomatoes. Parsley and chili flakes complete the composition, adding freshness and a hint of heat. This dish is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings with loved ones, revealing the depth and richness of Spanish flavor in every bite.

This recipe combines the richness of Mediterranean flavors by pairing the tender texture of baked zucchini with aromatic vegetables, spicy ham, and gooey cheese. The zucchini soaked in the juices of tomatoes, sweet peppers, and garlic gains a rich flavor, while the addition of Provençal herbs gives it a subtle, refined note. Crispy slices of ham add a salty depth, and melted Parmesan finishes the dish with a light creamy texture. It’s the perfect treat for a light dinner or festive table due to the balance of fresh vegetables and the rich flavors of cheese and meat. The dish can be served on its own or paired with a glass of white wine to highlight its gastronomic sophistication.

This exquisite dessert of European cuisine combines the sweetness of ripe apricots with the rich and complex flavor of brie and blue cheese. The baked fruits become soft and caramelized, while the melted cheese adds tenderness and zest. The addition of aromatic Provençal herbs and dried garlic enhances the flavor nuances, while cashew nuts add a crunchy texture. The finishing touch is thin slices of ham that give the dish a refined saltiness. Drizzled with honey, the apricots acquire a light caramel note, making this dish perfect for a festive dinner or romantic evening. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors makes this recipe unusual and memorable.

The recipe was shared with us by Dmitry Akhmetov, chef of the wine bars Brix and Easy Brix.

Salad with ham and arugula is a true embodiment of European gastronomic sophistication. Crispy croutons, tender mozzarella, and aromatic cherry tomatoes pair perfectly with the spicy ham, giving the dish an elegant flavor with a hint of saltiness. Arugula adds freshness and a slight bitterness, while the dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard enriches it with subtle sweet-spicy notes. This salad is an ideal choice for a light dinner or refined appetizer. Its roots trace back to Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients and balance of flavors are valued. It can be served with a glass of white wine to enhance the harmony of gastronomic pleasure.

The most expensive paella of all - you'll have to look for ham. However, it's only used for decoration and doesn't affect the taste of the paella itself. Alexey Pavlov, chef at Barceloneta, shared the recipe with us.

Scrambled eggs with toast and ham is a refined blend of Italian gastronomy and morning tenderness. The airy egg mixture, cooked in a blend of butter and sunflower oil, acquires a rich, intense flavor. Rye toast with cream cheese adds textural harmony, while the ham brings a subtle salty note. Fresh pink tomatoes refresh the dish's palette, and parsley completes the picture with Mediterranean aromas. Black pepper delicately highlights all the flavor nuances. This breakfast is not only nutritious but also aesthetically pleasing, creating an atmosphere of morning enjoyment.

Squid carbonara is an unexpected reinterpretation of the classic Italian dish, infused with the elegance of Pan-Asian cuisine. Instead of traditional pasta, tender squid noodles are used, giving the dish a marine aroma and lightness. The sauce, rich in cream, parmesan, and hints of cognac, acquires a refined depth of flavor. Blanching the squid preserves its tenderness, while the addition of jamón and raw yolk adds richness and elegance to the dish. This culinary masterpiece pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, opening new horizons of gastronomic delight.

Cocido is a hearty Castilian peasant dish that is somewhat reminiscent of our pea soup with smoked meats. Cocido replaces both the first and second course.

In Spain there is a tradition of making cold soups with water, olive oil, bread and vinegar, the most famous of which is gazpacho. Salmorejo is its brother. It is difficult to trace the differences: in both cases all the listed ingredients are present with tomatoes, but in short, salmorejo is served with eggs and jamon. It is well suited for hot days when you don't want a serious meal, but you need to replenish your strength.

Venison with beet mousse and tart blackcurrant sauce is an exquisite dish of Russian cuisine that combines the power of the wild and the sophistication of gastronomy. Tender venison fillet infused with rosemary and garlic reveals depth of flavor, complemented by velvety beet mousse with a hint of acidity. The blackcurrant and red wine sauce adds refined tartness, highlighting the richness of flavors. Sweet figs and crispy ham provide textural contrast, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients. This dish not only delights the palate but also conveys the atmosphere of hunting feasts, merging nature's traditions with modern culinary art.

Morning crackers with ham and figs are a refined European breakfast that combines delicate, sweet, and salty flavors. Crispy crackers serve as a base for airy cream cheese, which can be replaced with goat cheese or ricotta. Thinly sliced ham (prosciutto, bresaola) adds piquancy and sophistication. Baked figs reveal their sweetness, while floral honey enhances the aroma, giving the dish a refined depth of flavor. This recipe is an example of the harmony of simple ingredients transformed into gastronomic pleasure.

This recipe combines the best flavor traditions of the Mediterranean. Italian mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a harmonious palette of flavors, enhanced by Spanish jamón and the crunchy texture of French baguette. The history of such a combination is rooted in the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients speak for themselves. This sandwich is perfect for a light breakfast or snack, and its freshness and richness make each serving a true gastronomic delight. The finishing touch is a drop of olive oil that enhances the flavor of the mozzarella and adds a subtle spiciness. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe awakens the taste buds and transports you to the sunny atmosphere of Italy.

Spring carbonara with asparagus and peas is a fresh interpretation of the classic Italian dish infused with the aromas of spring. The lightness of green peas and tender asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich creamy sauce made from parmesan and egg yolk. Zucchini adds freshness, while lemon zest brightens the flavor with a subtle tang. Crispy ham adds a touch of spiciness and depth, transforming the familiar pasta into an exquisite seasonal treat. Despite its rich history, this version of carbonara becomes a light and elegant dish perfect for spring dinners. It should be served with fresh basil leaves that complement the dish with notes of freshness and fragrance. This version of carbonara not only delights the palate but also offers a sense of spring renewal.

Bruschetta Provençal with figs and lavender honey is the embodiment of elegance in French cuisine, where exquisite ingredients merge in a harmonious duet of flavors. The crusty ciabatta, infused with the warmth of the oven, serves as a base for creamy goat cheese and refined camembert that offer velvety softness. Spicy ham adds richness to the dish, while roasted fig pieces reveal their sweetness, reminiscent of summer days in Provence. Lavender honey completes the symphony of aromas with floral notes and delicate sweetness. This bruschetta is perfect as an elegant appetizer for wine or as a morning gastronomic delight that awakens memories of the sunny landscapes of southern France.