Written by Daniel Kunasek
In the Czech Republic, ham rolls are a simple and popular appetizer, often served as part of a cold buffet at parties or weddings. You can also buy it in Czech delis or make it at home. It is a lot of work, but the result is worth it! Below is a tried and true recipe for ham rolls that are just right every time and very tasty.
20 slices of ham for rolls (20 pieces)
Dressing
1 quart of water
22 pieces of whole pepper (peppercorns)
10 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup of vinegar
salt
3 Tbs sugar
2 packages of gelatin
Spread
butter
2 slices cheese
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 Tbs horseradish cream
4 pieces hard-boiled egg (remove the yolks and cut the egg white)
1/2 lb salami, grated or chopped finely
5 pickles, grated or chopped finely
1 grated cooked potato
1-2 tablespoon of mayonnaise
1 onion, grated or chopped finely
ground red chili pepper, salt, and ground black pepper to taste
vinegar to taste
For the dressing, combine the water, pepper, allspice, cloves, vinegar, and salt in a large pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and then cool down. Add the 25 tablets of saccharin and the gelatin into the dressing. Stir to avoid lumps.
To prepare the rolls, mix the butter, cheese, and the 4 boiled egg yolks together in a bowl. Add the salami, pickles, onion, mustard, horseradish cream, potato, mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, and mix well. Fill the ham slices with the spread and roll them up.
While the dressing cools, place the rolls in a baking dish. When the dressing is almost cold, pour half of it over the rolls. Let it solidify and then pour the rest of the dressing. If the gelatin solidifies too quickly while preparing, you can warm it back up a little to continue.
