Olivia Carter
Gammon shank is a delicious and succulent cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooker recipes. Slow cooking is a great method for cooking gammon shank, as it allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also infusing it with a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a hearty meal at home, cooking gammon shank in a slow cooker is a great option.
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to prepare the gammon shank properly. Start by soaking the meat in cold water overnight to remove any excess salt. This step will help to ensure that the gammon shank isn’t too salty when it’s cooked.
Once the gammon shank has been soaked, it’s time to season it with your favorite herbs and spices. Traditional seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic work well with gammon shank, but feel free to get creative and use whatever flavors you prefer.
Next, place the seasoned gammon shank in the slow cooker and add your choice of liquid. This can be anything from water or stock to apple cider or beer, depending on your taste preferences. The liquid will help to keep the meat moist and infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
Set the slow cooker to the desired cooking time and temperature, typically around 8 hours on low heat. This will allow the gammon shank to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender and flavorful dish.
Once the gammon shank is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is tender and full of flavor.
Finally, serve the gammon shank with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors to complement your gammon shank.
With these simple steps, you can easily cook a delicious and tender gammon shank in a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to enjoy a flavorful meal at home, this slow cooker recipe is sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients you will need to cook gammon shank in a slow cooker. This includes the gammon shank itself, vegetables such as carrots and onions, herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, and any additional spices or seasonings you prefer.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables by peeling and chopping them into chunks. This will help to infuse the flavor into the gammon shank as it cooks.
Step 3: Place the gammon shank in the slow cooker and surround it with the chopped vegetables. Add the herbs and spices on top.
Step 4: Pour enough liquid into the slow cooker to cover the gammon shank. This could be water, stock, or even apple juice for a sweeter flavor.
Step 5: Set the slow cooker to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The longer the gammon shank cooks, the more tender it will become.
Step 6: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the gammon shank from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving dish. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving.
Step 7: Serve the gammon shank with the cooked vegetables and any accompanying sauce or gravy. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Note: Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the specific instructions of your slow cooker.
Ingredients Needed
For this delicious gammon shank recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 gammon shank, around 1.5kg in weight
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 500ml chicken or vegetable stock
– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking your gammon shank in the slow cooker.
Tips and Tricks
When it comes to cooking gammon shank in a slow cooker, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure a delicious and flavorful outcome.
1. Soaking the Gammon Shank
Before cooking, it is recommended to soak the gammon shank in cold water for several hours or overnight. This helps to remove any excess salt and helps to tenderize the meat. Rinse the shank thoroughly before placing it in the slow cooker.
2. Seasoning the Gammon Shank
Make sure to season the gammon shank with your favorite spices and herbs before cooking. Popular seasonings include black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. You can also add a touch of sweetness with a sprinkle of brown sugar or honey.
3. Adding Liquid
When cooking the gammon shank in the slow cooker, it’s important to add some liquid to prevent it from drying out. You can use water, chicken or vegetable broth, or even apple juice for added flavor. Just make sure to add enough liquid to cover about half of the shank.
4. Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the gammon shank on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is cooked through.
5. Finishing Touches
Once the gammon shank is cooked, you can brush it with a glaze or sauce for added flavor. Popular options include a mixture of honey and mustard, or a combination of brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Place the glazed shank under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze and give it a nice crust.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the gammon shank and the power of your slow cooker, so make sure to adjust accordingly. These tips and tricks will help you create a mouthwatering gammon shank that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your delicious slow-cooked gammon shank:
1. Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables
Serve your gammon shank with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables. The mashed potatoes will help balance the rich flavors of the gammon, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of freshness and crispness to the dish.
2. Honey Glazed Carrots and Buttered Green Beans
For a sweeter option, pair your gammon shank with honey glazed carrots and buttered green beans. The sweetness of the carrots complements the saltiness of the gammon, while the buttered green beans provide a savory contrast.
3. Creamy Coleslaw and Cornbread
Create a Southern-inspired meal by serving your gammon shank with creamy coleslaw and cornbread. The cool and tangy coleslaw balances the rich flavors of the gammon, while the cornbread adds a comforting and slightly sweet element to the dish.
4. Baked Beans and Corn on the Cob
For a hearty and comforting side, pair your gammon shank with baked beans and corn on the cob. The smoky and slightly sweet flavors of the baked beans complement the gammon, while the corn on the cob adds a pop of freshness and crunch.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal. Don’t forget to garnish your gammon shank with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What is gammon shank?
Gammon shank is a cut of meat taken from the lower leg portion of a pig. It is a flavorful and tender cut that is perfect for slow cooking.
What ingredients do I need to cook gammon shank in a slow cooker?
You will need a gammon shank, water or stock, vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, and seasoning like salt, pepper, and herbs.
How long does it take to cook gammon shank in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for gammon shank in a slow cooker is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the shank.
