Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook gammon in a slow cooker without using cider, you’ve come to the right place. Gammon, also known as ham, is a popular choice for many home cooks, and cooking it in a slow cooker ensures a tender and flavorful result.
While cider is a common ingredient used to cook gammon, there are plenty of alternatives that can still create a mouthwatering dish. By using a combination of flavorful ingredients and the slow cooking method, you can achieve a succulent and aromatic gammon that will please your taste buds.
To begin, you’ll need a good-sized joint of gammon, preferably with the rind removed. Rub the gammon with a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, garlic, and black pepper. This will help to infuse the meat with delicious flavors as it slow cooks.
Next, place the seasoned gammon into the slow cooker and add enough liquid to cover the meat. Instead of using cider, you can use vegetable or chicken stock, apple juice, or even water. These liquids will help to keep the gammon moist and tender as it cooks.
Cook the gammon on low heat for several hours, depending on the size of the joint. A general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 40 minutes per pound. Once the gammon is cooked through and tender, you can remove it from the slow cooker and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
So, if you’re looking to cook gammon in a slow cooker without cider, don’t worry! By using alternative flavorful ingredients and the gentle heat of the slow cooker, you can still achieve a delicious and tender gammon that will satisfy your cravings.
Preparing Gammon for Slow Cooker
Before you can start cooking gammon in a slow cooker without cider, it is important to properly prepare the gammon. Follow these steps to ensure your gammon is ready to be cooked:
- Choose the right gammon: Look for a piece of gammon that is suitable for slow cooking. A joint with a good amount of fat will ensure the meat stays juicy and tender during the long cooking process.
- Soak the gammon: If your gammon is too salty, you can soak it in water to remove some of the excess salt. Fill a large bowl or basin with cold water and place the gammon inside. Leave it to soak for at least 12 hours, changing the water occasionally.
- Trim excess fat: Once you have soaked the gammon, remove it from the water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off any excess fat from the surface of the gammon to your preference.
- Score the skin: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of the gammon in a diamond pattern. This will help the fat render and add flavor to the meat.
- Season the gammon: Generously season the gammon with your choice of spices and herbs. A popular combination includes black pepper, cloves, and brown sugar. Rub the seasoning into the scored skin and all over the meat.
- Let it sit: Give the gammon some time to absorb the flavors of the seasoning. You can let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight if desired.
Once you have followed these steps, your gammon will be ready to be placed in the slow cooker. It is now time to cook the gammon according to your slow cooker’s instructions and without the use of cider.
Choose the Right Gammon Cut
When cooking gammon in a slow cooker without cider, it is important to choose the right cut of gammon. There are two main options: gammon joint and gammon steak.
A gammon joint is a large piece of cured pork, usually weighing between 1kg and 2kg. It is suitable for slow cooking as it has a higher fat content, which helps keep the meat moist and tender. The gammon joint can be cooked whole or cut into smaller pieces for convenience.
Gammon steaks are smaller cuts of gammon, usually around 1cm thick. They are a good option if you prefer individual portions or are short on time. Gammon steaks can be cooked from frozen in a slow cooker, making them a convenient choice for busy days.
Both gammon joint and gammon steak can be bought smoked or unsmoked, depending on your preference. Smoked gammon has a rich, smoky flavor, while unsmoked gammon has a milder flavor.
Before cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, it is recommended to soak the gammon joint or steak in water for a few hours or overnight. This helps remove excess salt and reduces the overall saltiness of the gammon.
| Gammon Joint | Gammon Steak |
|---|---|
| Large piece of cured pork | Smaller cut of gammon |
| High fat content | Individual portions |
| Can be cooked whole or cut into smaller pieces | Cook from frozen |
| Smoked or unsmoked | Smoked or unsmoked |
| Soak in water before cooking | Soak in water before cooking |
Soak the Gammon Overnight
One of the key steps to cooking gammon in a slow cooker without cider is to soak it overnight. This helps remove some of the saltiness and tenderizes the meat, ensuring it cooks more evenly and results in a deliciously flavorful dish. Here’s how to do it:
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Soaking the gammon overnight helps to draw out some of the excess salt, making it less salty when cooked. This step is especially important if you’re using a gammon joint with a higher salt content. It also helps to rehydrate the meat, making it moist and tender.
After the gammon has finished soaking, be sure to discard the water and pat the meat dry with paper towels before cooking it in the slow cooker. This will help ensure that the gammon is not overly salty and that it cooks properly in the slow cooker.
Create a Flavourful Cooking Base
When cooking gammon in a slow cooker without cider, it’s important to create a flavourful cooking base. This will help infuse the meat with delicious tastes and aromas. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Use Vegetable or Chicken Stock
Instead of cider, you can use vegetable or chicken stock as a base for your cooking liquid. These stocks will add depth and richness to the gammon, enhancing its natural flavors. You can either use store-bought stock or make your own by simmering vegetables or chicken bones in water.
2. Add Seasonings
To enhance the taste of the gammon, add seasonings to the cooking base. You can use a combination of herbs, spices, and aromatics to create a flavorful infusion. Some popular choices include garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, black peppercorns, and onion slices. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavor profile.
Once you have your cooking base ready, place the gammon joint into the slow cooker and pour in the liquid. Make sure the liquid partially covers the gammon but doesn’t completely submerge it. This will help the meat cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the cooking base.
By creating a flavorful cooking base, you can ensure that your gammon cooked in a slow cooker without cider turns out deliciously tender and packed with taste. Happy cooking!
Cooking Gammon in Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a convenient and popular way to prepare gammon, as they allow the meat to become tender and flavorful. While many recipes call for cider, you can easily cook gammon in a slow cooker without it. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg gammon joint
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery sticks, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 500 ml vegetable stock
Instructions:
- Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Pour the vegetable stock over the gammon.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the gammon from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Allow the gammon to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve the sliced gammon with the cooked vegetables and some of the cooking liquid as gravy.
This slow cooker gammon recipe provides a tender and flavorful result without the use of cider. You can adjust the seasonings and add additional vegetables to suit your taste. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What is gammon?
Gammon is a type of meat that comes from the hind legs of a pig. It is similar to ham but is typically sold raw and needs to be cooked before eating.
Can I cook gammon in a slow cooker without using cider?
Yes, you can definitely cook gammon in a slow cooker without using cider. Instead of cider, you can use other liquids like water, chicken or vegetable broth, or even fruit juices like apple or pineapple juice.
