Olivia Carter
Are you a fan of delicious, juicy ham? Do you want to learn how to cook a perfectly tender gammon ham joint in a slow cooker? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps of slow cooking a gammon ham joint, ensuring that it comes out moist, succulent, and bursting with flavor.
Why slow cook a gammon ham joint?
Slow cooking is a fantastic way to cook a gammon ham joint as it allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking process helps break down the tough collagen in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible.
Moreover, slow cooking also allows the flavors to infuse and develop, resulting in a ham joint that is bursting with savory goodness.
What do you need?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you will need:
- 1 gammon ham joint (around 1.5kg – 2kg)
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard (optional, for glazing)
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
The cooking process
1. Place the gammon ham joint in the slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and brown sugar.
2. Pour enough water into the slow cooker to fully cover the gammon ham joint.
3. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for around 6-8 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your ham joint, so make sure to check for tenderness. The ham should be easily pulled apart with a fork.
4. Once the gammon ham joint is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a baking tray. Leave it to cool slightly.
5. Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7.
6. Optional: If you want to glaze your gammon ham joint, mix the mustard with a little brown sugar, and spread it over the top. Place the ham joint in the preheated oven for around 10-15 minutes or until the glaze is golden and bubbly.
7. Remove the ham joint from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
And there you have it – a perfectly cooked gammon ham joint that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal!
Choosing the Right Gammon Ham Joint
When it comes to cooking a delicious gammon ham joint in the slow cooker, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a gammon ham joint:
1. Weight: Determine how much gammon ham you need based on the number of servings you require. As a general rule of thumb, allow approximately 200-250g of uncooked gammon per person.
2. Bone-in or boneless: Gammon ham joints can come with or without the bone. Bone-in joints tend to have more flavour and can be easier to carve, while boneless joints can be more convenient for slicing and serving.
3. Smoked or unsmoked: Decide whether you prefer the smoky, intense flavour that comes with a smoked gammon joint or the milder taste of an unsmoked one.
4. Quality: Look for a gammon ham joint that is well-trimmed with a good balance of fat and lean meat. Avoid joints that are too fatty or have excessive amounts of gristle.
5. Cooking method: Consider the cooking method you plan to use. Slow cooking in a slow cooker can help tenderize tougher cuts of gammon, but if you prefer a firmer texture, a more expensive, higher-quality joint may be better suited for roasting or boiling.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect gammon ham joint for your slow cooker recipe and enjoy a succulent and flavourful meal.
Preparing the Gammon Ham Joint
Before you start cooking the gammon ham joint in the slow cooker, you need to prepare it properly for the best results. Follow these steps to ensure your gammon turns out delicious and tender:
1. Soak the Gammon
Place the gammon ham joint in a large bowl or container and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for at least 12 hours or overnight to remove any excess saltiness. This step helps to reduce the salt content and improves the overall flavor of the gammon.
2. Rinse the Gammon
After soaking, remove the gammon ham joint from the water and rinse it under cold running water to remove any remaining salt. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Score the Skin
Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the gammon ham joint in a diamond pattern. This will help the fat render during cooking, resulting in a crispy and flavorful crust.
4. Glaze (optional)
If desired, you can apply a glaze to the gammon ham joint for added flavor. Popular glazes include honey and mustard, maple syrup, or marmalade. Simply brush the glaze over the scored skin before placing the gammon in the slow cooker.
Once you have prepared the gammon ham joint, you are ready to start cooking it in the slow cooker. Follow the instructions for cooking times and temperatures to ensure the gammon turns out perfectly tender and delicious.
Cooking the Gammon Ham Joint
Once you have prepared your gammon ham joint for cooking in the slow cooker, it’s time to start the cooking process. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked ham joint.
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Before adding the gammon ham joint to the slow cooker, make sure the cooker is clean and in good condition. Place a liner in the slow cooker to make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Add the Ham Joint
Place the gammon ham joint in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably inside. If necessary, trim any excess fat from the joint before cooking.
Step 3: Add Flavors
To add flavor to the gammon ham joint, you can include additional ingredients such as cloves, star anise, or bay leaves. These will infuse the meat with a delicious aroma.
Step 4: Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the gammon ham joint on low heat in the slow cooker. The general rule is to cook for about 4-6 hours per kilogram of meat. Make sure the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure it is cooked through.
Step 5: Basting
During the cooking process, take some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and baste the ham joint with it. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Resting and Carving
Once the gammon ham joint reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender. Slice the ham joint and serve hot.
| Weight of Gammon Ham Joint | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | 4-6 hours |
| 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) | 6-9 hours |
| 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 8-12 hours |
Now that you know how to cook a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious and tender ham with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Serving and Enjoying the Cooked Gammon Ham Joint
Once your gammon ham joint is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious creation. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your cooked gammon ham:
1. Let the gammon ham joint rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help retain its juiciness and ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Carefully remove the gammon ham joint from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. You can reserve the cooking liquid for later use, such as making a delicious stock or gravy.
3. Carve the gammon ham joint into thin slices, ensuring that each slice has a good amount of lean meat and marbled fat. The slow cooking process should result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth ham.
4. Serve the sliced gammon ham with your choice of sides and condiments. Traditional accompaniments include mustard, honey glaze, or cranberry sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
5. Enjoy the flavors and textures of the gammon ham with each bite. The slow cooking method should have created a moist and succulent dish that will impress your family and guests.
6. Store any leftover gammon ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches or reheated and used in various recipes, such as pasta dishes or omelettes.
With these serving and enjoying tips, you can make the most of your cooked gammon ham joint from the slow cooker. Enjoy the delicious flavors and share this tasty meal with your loved ones!
Tips and Variations for Cooking Gammon Ham Joint in Slow Cooker
Slow cooking a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker is a great way to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Here are some tips and variations to enhance your slow-cooked gammon ham joint:
1. Choose the Right Size Joint:
When selecting a gammon ham joint for slow cooking, consider the size of your slow cooker. The joint should fit comfortably without touching the sides or lid to ensure even cooking.
2. Soak the Gammon Ham Joint:
To reduce the saltiness of the gammon ham joint, it is recommended to soak it in cold water for a few hours prior to cooking. This step is optional, but it can help achieve a milder flavor.
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Enhance the taste of your slow-cooked gammon ham joint by adding aromatic ingredients such as bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, or herbs like thyme and rosemary. These flavors infuse into the meat during the cooking process, resulting in a more delicious dish.
4. Use Liquid for Moisture:
For optimal tenderness, add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as water, vegetable broth, or apple juice. This helps to keep the gammon ham joint moist and prevents it from drying out during the long cooking time.
5. Experiment with Glazes:
After the gammon ham joint is cooked, you can choose to glaze it for added flavor and a glossy finish. Popular glazes include mustard and honey, maple syrup, or a mixture of brown sugar and pineapple juice. Apply the glaze and then place the joint under the broiler for a few minutes until caramelized.
Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your gammon ham joint. Slow cooking times can vary, but a general guideline is to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Enjoy your deliciously tender and flavorful gammon ham joint cooked in the slow cooker!
Questions and answers
What is a gammon ham joint?
A gammon ham joint is a cut of meat from the hind leg of a pig that has been cured in salt and then smoked or boiled.
Can I cook a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker. It is a great way to cook the joint as it will become tender and full of flavor.
How long does it take to cook a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the joint and the heat setting of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to cook a gammon ham joint in a slow cooker.
