Olivia Carter
Gammon cooked in a slow cooker with cola may sound like an unusual combination, but it is a popular and delectable dish that is enjoyed by many. The sweetness of the cola adds a unique flavor to the gammon, resulting in a succulent and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Slow cooking gammon with cola is a simple and fuss-free method that is perfect for those who want a delicious meal without much effort. All you need is a slow cooker, a gammon joint, and a bottle of your favorite cola. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to infuse and the meat to become incredibly tender.
When cooking gammon in the slow cooker with coke, it is important to choose a good quality gammon joint. Look for one that is not too salty and has a good amount of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also add some additional ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as onions, garlic, and herbs.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, simply place the gammon joint in the slow cooker and pour the cola over it. The amount of cola will depend on the size of your gammon joint, but a standard 2-liter bottle should be enough. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 4-6 hours, or until the gammon is cooked through and tender.
When the gammon is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. The result will be a juicy and flavorful gammon joint that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to cook gammon, give the slow cooker method with cola a try. You won’t be disappointed with the mouthwatering results!
Preparing the Gammon
Before you start cooking the gammon, it’s important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to get the gammon ready for the slow cooker:
- Remove the packaging from the gammon joint and place it on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully trim any excess fat from the gammon. Leave a thin layer of fat to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Rinse the gammon under cold water to remove any brine or excess salt.
- Place the rinsed gammon in a large dish or bowl.
- Pour Coca-Cola over the gammon, making sure it is fully submerged. The acidity in the Coke will help to tenderize the meat and add a subtle sweetness.
- Cover the dish with cling film and let the gammon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.
Once the gammon has marinated, it is ready to be cooked in the slow cooker. Make sure you refer to the recipe for the remaining steps to ensure you achieve a delicious and succulent gammon joint.
Choosing the Gammon Joint
When it comes to cooking gammon in the slow cooker with Coke, choosing the right gammon joint is crucial. The quality and size of the joint will greatly affect the taste and texture of the final dish.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect gammon joint:
Quality:
Look for a gammon joint that is of high quality. Opt for joints that are labeled as “unsmoked” or “smoked” depending on your preference. Smoked gammon joints have a distinct flavor that adds an extra depth to the dish.
Size:
The size of the gammon joint will depend on the number of people you are planning to serve. A general guideline is to allow for around 200-250g per person, depending on appetites. Consider whether you want leftovers for sandwiches or other recipes.
Additionally, pay attention to the weight of the joint as it will affect the cooking time. Heavier joints will require longer cooking times, while smaller ones will cook faster.
By choosing a high-quality gammon joint of the right size, you are setting yourself up for success in creating a delicious and tender dish of slow-cooked gammon with Coke.
Soaking the Gammon
Before cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, it’s important to soak it to remove any excess salt. This will ensure that the meat is not overly salty and will result in a more balanced flavor.
Here are the steps to soak the gammon:
- Place the gammon joint in a large bowl or container.
- Cover the gammon with cold water.
- Allow the gammon to soak in the water for at least 12 hours, but preferably overnight.
- If the gammon is particularly salty, you can change the water midway through the soaking process.
Soaking the gammon will not only remove excess salt, but it will also help to tenderize the meat, making it more succulent and juicy when cooked.
Once the gammon has finished soaking, you can proceed with cooking it in the slow cooker with coke for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Cooking the Gammon
Once you have prepared the gammon by soaking it in water overnight, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker with Coke. This method will result in tender, juicy gammon that is full of flavor.
1. Place the soaked gammon joint in the slow cooker.
2. Pour enough Coke into the slow cooker to completely cover the gammon. The amount of Coke will depend on the size of the joint, but a standard 2-liter bottle is usually enough.
3. Optionally, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Some popular choices include cloves, brown sugar, mustard, or honey. These can be added to the Coke in the slow cooker.
4. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the gammon joint.
5. Halfway through the cooking time, you can turn the gammon joint over to ensure even cooking. This step is optional but can help in achieving a more evenly cooked gammon.
6. Once the gammon is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
7. Carve the gammon into slices or chunks, depending on your preference.
8. Serve the cooked gammon with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes:
– The Coke helps to both tenderize and flavor the gammon. It gives the meat a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
– You can even save the cooking liquid to use as a glaze for the cooked gammon. Simply simmer the liquid in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens.
| Slow Cooker Setting | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Low | 6-8 hours |
| High | 3-4 hours |
Additional Tips:
– Make sure to trim off any excess fat from the gammon joint before cooking.
– If you prefer a less sweet gammon, you can use diet or sugar-free Coke.
– Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding herbs and spices to the slow cooker along with the Coke.
Adding the Coke
Once the gammon is nicely seared on all sides, it’s time to add the Coca-Cola to the slow cooker. The Coke will not only add flavor to the gammon, but it will also help to tenderize the meat.
Pour the Coke into the slow cooker, making sure to cover the gammon completely. The amount of Coke required will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the gammon joint. As a general guideline, you’ll need enough Coke to cover the gammon by at least an inch.
For an extra touch of sweetness and tanginess, you can also add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of mustard to the Coke before pouring it into the slow cooker. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat. The low and slow cooking process will allow the Coke to infuse into the gammon, resulting in a deliciously flavorful and juicy piece of meat.
Leave the gammon to cook in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the gammon joint, so it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Once the gammon is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving into thick slices.
Now that you know how to cook gammon in the slow cooker with Coke, you can enjoy this delicious and easy meal any time. Serve the tender and flavorful gammon slices with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a mouthwatering dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Note: You can also use other carbonated beverages like ginger ale or root beer instead of Coke for a different twist on the recipe.
Setting the Slow Cooker
Before you start cooking the gammon in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly set up the appliance.
Step 1: Preparation
First, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:
- 1 gammon joint
- 2 litres of cola
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Chopping board
Step 2: Cleaning
Ensure that the slow cooker is clean and free from any dirt or residue. Wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water, and dry it thoroughly before use.
Step 3: Temperature Setting
Most slow cookers have temperature settings such as low, high, and warm. For cooking gammon, it is recommended to use the low setting. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and become tender.
Step 4: Preheating
While preheating is not necessary for cooking gammon in a slow cooker, it is recommended to preheat the appliance for a few minutes before adding the ingredients. This can help to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
Step 5: Layering the Ingredients
Start by placing the quartered onion and crushed garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, place the gammon joint on top. Add the bay leaf for additional flavor.
Note: Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker with ingredients as this may affect the cooking process.
Once you have set up the slow cooker, you are ready to start cooking the gammon in the delicious cola marinade.
Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking gammon in the slow cooker with Coke, it’s essential to get the cooking time and temperature right. This will ensure that the gammon is beautifully tender and packed with flavor.
The cooking time for gammon in the slow cooker will depend on the size of your gammon joint. As a general rule of thumb, you should cook a 1 kg gammon joint on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. For larger joints, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
As for the temperature, it’s best to cook gammon on low heat in the slow cooker. This allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome. Cooking on high heat may cause the gammon to become tough and dry.
It’s important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your slow cooker model and its settings. It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best settings for cooking gammon in your specific slow cooker.
By following the recommended cooking time and temperature guidelines, you can be sure to achieve a delicious and succulent gammon joint that will be a hit at your next meal!
Serving the Gammon
Once the gammon has finished cooking in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve up this delicious main dish. Here are some ideas for serving the gammon:
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Slice the gammon into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
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For a more casual presentation, shred the cooked gammon and serve it as pulled pork in soft rolls.
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Accompany the gammon with a dollop of wholegrain mustard on the side. The tanginess of the mustard complements the rich flavors of the gammon.
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Serve the gammon with traditional sides such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a side salad.
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If you prefer a sweeter twist, garnish the gammon with pineapple slices and cherries for a classic gammon and pineapple combination.
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Drizzle any leftover juices from the slow cooker over the sliced gammon for extra moisture and flavor.
However you choose to serve it, this slow cooker gammon with coke recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the tender, flavorful meat and savor the delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Slicing the Gammon
Once the gammon is cooked and tender, it’s time to slice it for serving. Follow these steps to ensure you get perfect slices:
- Remove the cooked gammon from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off any excess fat or rind from the gammon.
- Decide whether you want thick or thin slices and adjust the knife accordingly.
- Start slicing the gammon against the grain for the most tender results.
- Continue slicing until you have enough for your meal or desired portion.
Remember that the gammon will be hot, so use caution when handling and slicing it. Also, feel free to save any leftover gammon slices for sandwiches or other meals later on. Enjoy your perfectly cooked and sliced gammon!
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 it is not smoked or cured.
What is the difference between gammon and ham?
The main difference between gammon and ham is the way they are prepared. Ham is typically cured and smoked, while gammon is not smoked or cured. Gammon has a milder flavor and is often cooked before being served, while ham can be eaten as is.
What is the slow cooker method for cooking gammon with coke?
The slow cooker method for cooking gammon with coke involves placing a gammon joint (typically around 1.5-2kg) in a slow cooker and pouring a can of Coca-Cola over the top. The gammon is then cooked on low heat for around 6-8 hours, until it is tender and cooked through. The coke helps to add sweetness and flavor to the gammon.
