Ground ham, onions and broccoli are melded with cornmeal, Asiago cheese, eggs, garlic and a sprinkling of dried basil and anise seed, to make tender fried patties for a post-holiday brunch.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 2 cups ground ham
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons anise seed
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl combine the ground ham, onion, broccoli and egg beat. Mix with hands for 1 full minute, or until egg beat is evenly absorbed into meat.
Sprinkle anise seed, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, cornmeal and cheese over meat mixture and mix again with hands for 1 full minute, until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 3 ounces of ham mixture into hands and form patties about 1/2 inch thick. Lay patties in skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes each side, or until browned. Drain on paper towels. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used, then serve hot.