Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe, cooking gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker is the way to go. The sweet and savory combination of brown sugar, spices, and tender gammon will leave your taste buds craving for more. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion dinner.
The first step to cooking gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker is to prepare the gammon. Rinse the gammon under cold water to remove any excess salt. Then, place the gammon in the slow cooker and cover it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. The brown sugar adds a rich sweetness to the gammon, while the mustard and spices add a tangy and savory flavor.
Once the gammon is coated in the brown sugar mixture, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the gammon to become tender and infused with the flavors of the brown sugar and spices. As the gammon cooks, the brown sugar mixture will create a delicious glaze that caramelizes and enhances the flavor of the meat.
After the cooking time is up, remove the gammon from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The gammon will be juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, for a satisfying and complete meal.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet tasty dinner recipe, give cooking gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker a try. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends and will become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delicious dish!
Tips for Cooking Gammon on Brown Sugar in Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to cook gammon, especially when you add brown sugar to give it a delicious sweet and savory glaze. Here are some tips to ensure your gammon turns out perfect every time:
1. Choose the right cut of gammon: Look for a gammon joint that is labeled as “unsliced” or “unsmoked.” This will give you more control over the cooking process and allow you to add your own flavors.
2. Soak the gammon: Before cooking, soak the gammon joint in water to remove excess saltiness. Place the joint in a large bowl or dish and cover with cold water. Let it soak for at least 2 hours, changing the water after the first hour.
3. Prepare the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice to create a sweet and tangy glaze. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
4. Cook on low heat: Slow cookers are best used on low heat for gammon. Place the soaked gammon joint in the slow cooker and pour the brown sugar glaze over it. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the gammon is tender and cooked through.
5. Baste occasionally: Every couple of hours, open the slow cooker and baste the gammon with the glaze. This will help keep the meat moist and ensure that the flavors penetrate evenly.
6. Rest before carving: Once the gammon is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful gammon.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice the gammon and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The combination of the brown sugar glaze and slow cooking will create a tender and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
With these tips, you’ll be able to cook gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker to perfection. Enjoy your delicious and hassle-free meal!
Choose the Right Gammon Joint
When it comes to cooking gammon in a slow cooker, choosing the right joint of meat is crucial. The first thing you need to consider is the size of the joint. Keep in mind that the gammon will shrink during the cooking process, so it’s better to opt for a larger joint to ensure you have enough leftovers for sandwiches or future meals.
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the gammon joint. Look for a joint that is well marbled with fat, as this will ensure moistness and tenderness in the final dish. Avoid lean cuts, as they can turn dry and tough when cooked for an extended period of time.
It is also important to choose a gammon joint that is suitable for slow cooking. The ideal cut for slow cooking is the gammon joint with the bone still intact. This will add extra flavor to the dish and prevent the meat from drying out. If you prefer boneless gammon, make sure to choose a joint that is specifically labeled for slow cooking.
Considerations for Saltiness
One factor to consider when choosing a gammon joint is the level of saltiness. Gammon is often cured in brine or soaked in salt, which can result in a salty flavor. If you prefer a less salty taste, look for gammon joints labeled as “unsalted” or “low salt.” Alternatively, you can opt for a regular gammon joint and soak it in water for a few hours before cooking to remove some of the saltiness.
Where to Buy
Gammon joints can be found in most grocery stores, but for the best quality, consider buying from a local butcher. They will be able to provide you with expert advice on selecting the right joint and can often offer more variety in terms of cuts and flavors.
Now that you know how to choose the right gammon joint, you can move on to the next step of cooking it in the slow cooker with brown sugar for a delicious and tender result.
Prepare the Gammon Joint
Before cooking the gammon joint in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps:
1. Soak the Gammon Joint: Place the gammon joint in a large bowl or container and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. This helps to remove any excess salt and rehydrate the meat.
2. Rinse the Gammon Joint: After soaking, remove the gammon joint from the water and rinse it under cold running water to wash away any remaining salt or brine. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the gammon joint in a diamond pattern. This helps to allow the fat to render and create a crispy outer layer.
4. Glaze or Season: If desired, you can glaze the gammon joint with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, honey, or any other desired ingredients. Alternatively, you can simply season it with salt and black pepper.
5. Place in Slow Cooker: Place the prepared gammon joint into the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably. If needed, you can cut the joint into smaller pieces to fit.
6. Add Liquid: Depending on your recipe, you may need to add some liquid to the slow cooker. This can be water, vegetable or chicken stock, or even apple juice for additional flavor.
7. Cook Time: Set the slow cooker to the desired cooking time and temperature, usually around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. The gammon joint is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) and is tender.
8. Rest and Serve: Once the gammon joint is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute before carving. Slice the gammon and serve with your favorite accompaniments.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the gammon joint. Always refer to your specific recipe or the instructions of your slow cooker for best results.
Create a Delicious Brown Sugar Glaze
To enhance the flavor of your gammon, it’s essential to create a mouthwatering brown sugar glaze. The glaze will add a sweet and caramelized touch to the meat, making it even more delectable. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious brown sugar glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Place the gammon in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface of the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the gammon for about 6-8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- During the cooking process, periodically baste the gammon with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once the gammon is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the gammon hot with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping or drizzling.
With this delectable brown sugar glaze, your gammon will have a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy taste that will leave everyone wanting seconds. Enjoy!
Place the Gammon Joint in the Slow Cooker
Once you have prepared the gammon joint by scoring the skin and covering it with brown sugar, it’s time to place it in the slow cooker. Make sure you have a slow cooker that is large enough to accommodate the size of your gammon joint.
Before placing the gammon joint in the slow cooker, you can add some flavor by placing sliced onions, carrots, and garlic cloves at the bottom of the cooker. This will add a delicious aroma and enhance the taste of the gammon.
Next, carefully place the gammon joint on top of the vegetables. Make sure the joint is placed fat side up to allow the fat to slowly melt and baste the meat as it cooks.
Once the gammon joint is in the slow cooker, you can add some additional flavorings if desired. For example, you can add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary, some whole peppercorns, or a bay leaf. These will infuse the meat with extra flavors as it cooks.
Finally, cover the slow cooker with the lid and set the cooking time and temperature according to the recipe or your preference. Slow cooking the gammon joint will ensure that it becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Cook the Gammon Slowly for Maximum Flavor
When it comes to cooking gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker, the key is to cook it slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and succulent. Slow cooking also helps to infuse the gammon with the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a deliciously caramelized exterior.
Preparation
Before cooking the gammon, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by rinsing the gammon joint under cold water to remove any excess salt. Then, place the gammon in a large bowl or a sink and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for at least 12 hours, changing the water every 4 hours. This process will help to further remove excess salt and create a milder flavor.
Slow Cooking Process
Once the gammon has been soaked, pat it dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture. Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. This will create a delicious glaze as the gammon cooks.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the gammon for around 6-8 hours. Cooking it slowly at a low temperature allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors to intensify. The brown sugar will gradually melt and caramelize, creating a beautiful sticky glaze.
During the cooking process, it’s important to keep an eye on the gammon and baste it occasionally with the juices that accumulate in the slow cooker. This will help to keep the meat moist and ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the gammon from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
In conclusion, cooking gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve maximum flavor. By cooking it slowly and allowing the brown sugar to caramelize, you’ll end up with a deliciously tender and flavorful gammon joint that is sure to impress your guests.
Serve and Enjoy Your Slow Cooked Gammon!
Once your gammon is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker with a delicious brown sugar glaze, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Follow these simple steps to make the most of your tasty dish:
Step 1: Carefully remove the gammon from the slow cooker and place it on a chopping board or serving platter. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Step 2: Slice the gammon into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts through the succulent meat.
Step 3: Arrange the slices on a serving dish, making sure to display their beautiful, caramelized edges.
Step 4: Serve alongside your favourite accompaniments, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Step 5: If desired, drizzle any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the sliced gammon for an extra burst of sweetness and flavour.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a touch of colour and freshness to the dish.
Step 7: Enjoy your slow cooked gammon with friends and family! The tender meat and sweet glaze are sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.
Note: Leftover gammon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave or oven.
Questions and answers
What is a gammon?
A gammon is a joint of ham that has been cured or smoked. It is often sold as a large piece of meat, usually with the bone still in.
Can I cook gammon in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook gammon in a slow cooker. It is a convenient way to cook the meat as it requires minimal effort and produces tender and flavorful results.
How do I cook gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker?
To cook gammon on brown sugar in a slow cooker, you will need to place the gammon joint in the slow cooker and sprinkle it with brown sugar. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is cooked through and tender.
What does the brown sugar do to the gammon?
The brown sugar helps to add a sweet and caramelized flavor to the gammon. It also helps to create a sticky glaze on the outside of the meat.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the gammon?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the gammon to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include cloves, pineapple, honey, mustard, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
