Best way to cook gammon for Christmas.
Gammon refers to a type of meat that is commonly associated with British cuisine. It is typically made from the hind leg of a pig that has been cured or smoked. Gammon is similar to ham but is usually sold in joints or large cuts, while ham is often sliced or pre-cooked.
The gammon joint is taken from the hind leg and is typically sold with the bone still intact. It is usually cured or brined to enhance flavor, texture, and preservation. The curing process involves treating the meat with a combination of salt, sugar, and other seasonings. Some gammon joints are also smoked to add a smoky flavor to the meat.
Best way to cook gammon for Christmas
Ingredients
- 1 whole gammon joint (approximately 4-6 pounds or as per your requirement)
- Water, to cover the gammon
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Whole cloves, for studding (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional, for glazing)
Instructions
- Place the gammon joint in a large pot or Dutch oven and add enough water to cover it. You can use a fresh, uncooked gammon joint or a pre-cured one, depending on your preference. If using a pre-cured gammon, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the gammon as it simmers. You can also stud the gammon with cloves for added aromatic notes if desired.3. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the gammon simmer gently. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.4. Simmer the gammon for approximately 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kilogram). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your gammon joint, so it's recommended to check the package instructions or use a meat thermometer to ensure the gammon is cooked to your desired level of doneness.5. While the gammon is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you plan to glaze the gammon, this is the time to prepare the glaze. You can mix brown sugar or honey with a little water or fruit juice to create a sticky glaze.6. Once the gammon is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a roasting tray or baking dish. Remove any string or netting if present. Score the skin of the gammon in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife, but be careful not to cut too deep into the meat.7. If you want to glaze the gammon, brush the prepared glaze generously over the scored skin. Ensure it gets into the grooves to create a flavorful crust.8. Place the gammon in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the skin is crispy.9. Once the gammon is glazed and cooked to your satisfaction, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.10. Slice the gammon and serve it warm. It pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as roast potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and mustard.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
