Olivia Carter
Slow cooker gammon with honey is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The slow cooker method ensures a tender and moist piece of meat, while the addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor. Whether you’re cooking gammon for a special occasion or simply want a tasty dinner option, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Before cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. Start by rinsing the gammon joint under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry with kitchen paper and then place it in the slow cooker.
Next, it’s time to add the honey. Drizzle a generous amount of honey over the gammon joint, ensuring that it is evenly coated. The honey will caramelize as the gammon cooks, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful glaze. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more honey to your liking.
Once the gammon is coated in honey, it’s time to turn on the slow cooker. Set it to low heat and cook the gammon for approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the joint. The slow cooking process will allow the meat to become tender and juicy, while the honey glaze will infuse it with a delightful sweetness.
After the cooking time is up, remove the gammon from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. The gammon can be served with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. The leftovers can also be used to make sandwiches or added to salads for a tasty meal the next day.
In conclusion, cooking gammon in a slow cooker with honey is a simple and delicious way to prepare this popular meat. The slow cooking process ensures a tender and moist result, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness and flavor. Give this recipe a try for your next dinner or special occasion, and enjoy the mouthwatering results.
Preparation
Before cooking gammon in a slow cooker with honey, it is essential to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your gammon:
1. Selecting the Gammon
Choose a gammon joint: Look for a good-quality gammon joint that suits your serving size requirements. You can opt for smoked or unsmoked gammon depending on your preference.
Calculate cooking time: Determine the weight of the gammon joint to estimate the cooking time. As a rule of thumb, allow approximately 20 minutes of cooking time per pound (450 grams) of gammon.
2. Soaking the Gammon
Soak the gammon: Place the gammon joint in a large bowl or pot and cover it with cold water. Allow it to soak for at least 12 hours or overnight. This process helps to remove excess salt from the gammon.
Change the water: If you prefer a less salty taste, you can change the water once or twice during the soaking period.
3. Preparing the Slow Cooker
Grease the slow cooker: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker insert to prevent the gammon from sticking. You can use cooking spray or vegetable oil for this purpose.
Line the bottom: Optionally, you can line the bottom of the slow cooker with a sheet of baking paper. This makes it easier to remove the cooked gammon and ensures that it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
4. Preparing the Gammon
Trim excess fat: If desired, trim any excess fat from the gammon joint. This step is optional, and the amount of fat you remove depends on personal preference.
Score the skin: Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the gammon. Make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern, which helps to release fat and allows the honey glaze to penetrate the meat.
5. Applying the Honey Glaze
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey, mustard, and any other desired ingredients for the glaze. You can use additional spices, such as ground cloves or cinnamon, to enhance the flavor.
Coat the gammon: Brush the honey glaze all over the gammon joint, making sure to cover the scored skin and any exposed meat. This glaze adds a delicious sweetness and helps to caramelize the gammon during the slow cooking process.
By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your gammon joint is ready to cook in the slow cooker with a delicious honey glaze.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for gammon in a slow cooker with honey will depend on the size and thickness of the gammon joint. Generally, it is recommended to cook a 1kg gammon joint for approximately 4-6 hours on the low setting. If you have a larger joint, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.
It is important to note that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to check the gammon joint periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly and not overcooking. The gammon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C.
Adding honey to the slow cooker will help to sweeten the gammon and enhance its flavor. To do this, you can mix together equal parts honey and water to create a honey glaze. Pour the glaze over the gammon before cooking and baste it occasionally throughout the cooking process to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the gammon is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. Serve the gammon slices with the honey glaze from the slow cooker, and enjoy!
Ingredients
For this delicious slow cooker gammon recipe with honey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg gammon joint
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 300 ml water
These ingredients will create a flavorful and tender gammon that is perfect for any occasion. Make sure to have them ready before you start cooking!
Method
1. Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, mustard, and brown sugar.
3. Pour the honey mixture over the gammon joint, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the gammon joint.
5. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the gammon is cooked through and tender.
6. Once the gammon is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Slice the gammon and serve with your choice of side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Once your gammon is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker with a delicious honey glaze, there are many ways to serve and enjoy it. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
1. Honey Glazed Gammon Roast
After cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, you can transfer it to a roasting pan and finish it off in the oven to achieve a caramelized and crispy exterior. Serve slices of the honey glazed gammon roast with roasted vegetables and gravy for a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Gammon Sandwiches
Thinly sliced honey glazed gammon is perfect for making delicious sandwiches. Layer the gammon slices with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Add some mustard or mayonnaise for extra flavor. Serve the sandwiches as an easy lunch option or as part of a buffet spread.
3. Gammon and Pineapple Skewers
Cut the cooked gammon into bite-sized pieces and skewer them alternately with pineapple chunks. Grill or broil the skewers until the pineapple caramelizes and the gammon is slightly crispy. These sweet and savory skewers make great appetizers for parties or BBQs.
4. Gammon Stir-Fry
Cube the cooked gammon and stir-fry it with vegetables of your choice. Add some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired twist. Serve the gammon stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful dinner.
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With these serving suggestions and additional sides, you can create a variety of delicious meals using your slow cooker honey glazed gammon. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
How long should I cook gammon in a slow cooker with honey?
It is recommended to cook gammon in a slow cooker with honey for about 4-5 hours on low heat.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use a different sweetener such as maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey for cooking gammon in a slow cooker. Just adjust the quantity according to taste.
What should I serve gammon with?
Gammon goes well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a tangy sauce or chutney for added flavour.
