What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Sharp boning knife
- Cutting board
- Plastic wrap
- Butcher’s twine
- Patience and steady hands
Step 1: Prepare the Prosciutto
Start by placing the prosciutto on a clean cutting board, skin-side down. If your prosciutto still has the hoof attached, cut it off using a sharp knife. Then, gently remove the outer layer of skin, being careful not to remove too much fat underneath. This step will expose the meat and make it easier to debone.
Step 2: Locate the Bones
Identify the main bones in the prosciutto, which are typically the femur and the hip bone. These bones are tapering and will guide you as you debone the meat. Carefully score the meat around the bones with your boning knife, taking care not to cut too deeply.
Step 3: Remove the Bones
Using your boning knife, start separating the meat from the femur bone, making small, precise cuts along the bone. Gently pull the meat away as you work your way around the bone. Be patient and take your time to ensure you don’t damage the meat while deboning.
Next, move on to the hip bone and repeat the process of separating the meat from the bone. Be particularly cautious when navigating this area, as it can be trickier due to the shape of the bone.
Keep removing any smaller bones you come across as you work your way through the prosciutto. Take your time and be diligent, as missing any bones can negatively affect the final texture and taste of the meat.
Step 4: Trim Excess Fat
Once you’ve successfully deboned the prosciutto, it’s time to trim any excess fat. Use your boning knife to carefully remove any remaining fatty tissue, ensuring a clean and even cut. However, be mindful not to remove all the fat, as it adds crucial flavor to the prosciutto.
Step 5: Reassemble and Wrap
After trimming excess fat, reassemble the deboned prosciutto by folding back the meat into its original shape. Secure it by placing plastic wrap around the prosciutto and then tying it tightly with butcher’s twine. This will help the prosciutto retain its shape and prevent it from drying out.
Step 6: Age and Enjoy!
Finally, age your deboned prosciutto in a cool, dark place for the desired time. Traditional Spanish prosciutto can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months to fully mature, so be patient. Once it has aged to perfection, you can slice it thinly and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures that come from deboning your own Spanish prosciutto!
Deboning a Spanish prosciutto may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll master this art. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be able to transform a whole prosciutto into delectable slices of meat that will impress your guests and elevate your culinary creations!