What is it?

Prosciutto cotto literally means “cooked ham.” What we often refer to here as simply prosciutto is actually prosciutto crudo, which means raw ham, albeit one that’s dry-cured and aged. A popular cold cut in Italy, prosciutto cotto is brined pork hindquarter that’s been slowly cooked with its skin on to retain moisture. It usually contains less salt than cooked American ham, which makes a good substitute. Prosciutto crudo can also substitute for cotto, but doesn’t make much sense in cooked recipes, where its silky texture won’t be appreciated.

Don’t have it?

Ttry American ham.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Stuffed Pasta Shells

  Forget what you know about baked shells: The creamy texture of homemade ricotta makes all the difference. The multiple elements, including a take on Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce, can be…