Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook gammon, then using a slow cooker with cola is the perfect method. This recipe will give you tender and flavourful gammon that practically falls apart. Plus, the cola adds a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the gammon.
To start, you’ll need a gammon joint that’s the right size for your slow cooker. Make sure to choose a joint that will fit comfortably with enough room for the liquid and the gammon to cook. You can use either smoked or unsmoked gammon, depending on your preference.
Once you have your gammon joint, you’ll want to prepare it by removing any packaging and rinsing it under cold water. This will help to remove any excess salt or brine. Pat the gammon dry with some kitchen paper and then score the fat in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat as it cooks.
After preparing the gammon, place it in your slow cooker and pour in enough cola to cover it completely. The cola will help to tenderize the gammon and add a delicious sweetness. You can use any brand of cola that you prefer, but avoid using diet or sugar-free varieties as they may not give you the same result. Cook the gammon on low for 6-8 hours or until it’s cooked through and tender.
Prepare the Gammon
Before you can start cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, you need to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure your gammon is ready for cooking:
| Step 1: | Remove the gammon from its packaging and place it on a clean cutting board. |
| Step 2: | Using a sharp knife, carefully trim any excess fat from the gammon. Leave a thin layer of fat to add flavor during cooking. |
| Step 3: | Score the fat on the gammon by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will help the gammon absorb the flavors of the cola and spices. |
| Step 4: | If the gammon comes with a rind, you can either remove it or leave it on. Removing the rind will result in a slightly less crispy texture, but it’s a matter of personal preference. |
| Step 5: | Place the prepared gammon into the slow cooker. |
Once you have prepared the gammon, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking it in the slow cooker with cola.
Choose the Right Gammon
When it comes to cooking gammon in a slow cooker with cola, selecting the right gammon is crucial. There are a few options to consider to ensure the best results for your dish.
Firstly, you’ll want to choose a gammon joint that is the right size for your slow cooker. The joint shouldn’t be too large or it may not fit properly, and it shouldn’t be too small or it may become overcooked. Aim for a joint that is around 1-2kg in weight.
Next, consider the quality of the gammon. Look for a joint that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process. Avoid gammon that is overly lean, as it may end up dry and tough.
You should also pay attention to whether the gammon is smoked or unsmoked. Smoked gammon will have a stronger, more distinctive flavor, while unsmoked gammon will have a milder taste. Consider the flavor profile you’re looking for in your dish and choose accordingly.
Finally, check for any additional seasoning or flavorings that may have been added to the gammon. Some gammon joints may come pre-seasoned or injected with flavorings, such as honey or mustard. These can add a delicious extra dimension to your dish, so keep an eye out for any options that tickle your taste buds.
By carefully selecting the right gammon joint for your slow cooker recipe, you can ensure a mouthwatering and flavorful result that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Soak the Gammon
Before cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, it is important to soak it first. This helps to remove some of the saltiness and smoky flavor that is typically associated with gammon. The process of soaking also helps to tenderize the meat and make it more juicy and flavorful.
To soak the gammon, follow these steps:
- Place the gammon joint in a large bowl or container.
- Fill the bowl with enough cold water to completely submerge the gammon.
- Let the gammon soak for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
- If desired, you can add some additional flavor to the soaking liquid. For this recipe, you can add a can of cola to the water, which will infuse the gammon with a sweet and tangy taste.
- After the gammon has finished soaking, remove it from the water and pat it dry with paper towels.
By soaking the gammon before cooking it in the slow cooker, you’ll ensure that the meat is tender, delicious, and not overly salty. This step is worth the extra time and effort to achieve the best results.
Cook the Gammon
1. Remove the gammon from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine.
2. Place the gammon in the slow cooker, fat side up.
3. Pour the cola over the gammon, making sure it is fully covered.
4. Add any additional flavorings or seasonings, such as cloves or bay leaves, if desired.
5. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the gammon is tender and fully cooked.
6. Once cooked, carefully remove the gammon from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board.
7. Allow the gammon to rest for a few minutes before carving, to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Carve the gammon into slices and serve with your favorite accompaniments.
- Note: You can use the cooking liquids left in the slow cooker to make a delicious gravy or glaze for the gammon.
Place the Gammon in the Slow Cooker
After you have prepared the gammon by removing any packaging and excess fat, place it in the slow cooker. Ensure that the gammon fits comfortably in the cooker without being too tightly packed.
If you prefer, you can score the gammon with a sharp knife before placing it in the slow cooker. This will allow the flavours from the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Adding the Cola
Once the gammon is in the slow cooker, pour the cola over it until it is fully submerged. The cola will help to tenderize the meat and add a sweet, caramelized flavour to the gammon. If needed, you can add additional liquid such as water or broth to completely cover the gammon.
Adding Flavour Enhancers
To enhance the flavour of the gammon, you can add additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, or spices. These will infuse the meat with delicious aromas and add depth to the overall taste. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of flavours.
Add Cola and Other Ingredients
Once the gammon is prepared, it’s time to add the cola and other tasty ingredients to infuse the meat with flavor. The sweetness of the cola will help to caramelize the meat, giving it a delicious, sticky glaze.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients: | Measurements: |
|---|---|
| Gammon joint | 1.5 kg |
| Cola | 500 ml |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Pineapple juice | 100 ml |
| Black peppercorns | 6 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
Begin by pouring the cola over the gammon joint in the slow cooker. The cola should cover about two-thirds of the joint. If needed, add a little water to ensure the gammon is fully submerged.
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic cloves, mustard, brown sugar, pineapple juice, black peppercorns, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. These ingredients will infuse the gammon with a range of savory and sweet flavors.
Give everything a gentle stir to ensure that the ingredients are well-distributed around the gammon joint. This will ensure that every bite is full of delicious flavor.
Now that the cola and other ingredients are added, it’s time to cook the gammon in the slow cooker. This low and slow cooking method will result in tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for serving with your favorite sides.
Questions and answers
What is gammon and how is it different from ham?
Gammon is a cut of pork that comes from the hind leg of a pig. It is similar to ham, but gammon is uncooked and usually requires cooking before consumption, while ham is cured or cooked.
Can I use any type of cola for cooking gammon in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use any type of cola for cooking gammon in a slow cooker. Traditional cola works well, but you can also experiment with different flavors and brands to add unique tastes to your dish.
What other ingredients can I add to enhance the flavor of the gammon?
You can add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor of gammon cooked in a slow cooker. Some popular options include spices like black peppercorns, bay leaves, and cloves. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary, and additional flavorings like mustard or honey.
How long does it take to cook gammon in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for gammon in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the gammon joint and the heat setting of your slow cooker. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat to cook gammon in a slow cooker. It is important to check the internal temperature of the gammon to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
