Gammon joints are a staple of British cuisine, and cooking one in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cooking a delicious gammon joint in a slow cooker, including preparation, cooking times, and some tasty glaze recipes to try.
Choosing the Right Gammon Joint
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right gammon joint for your slow cooker. You can opt for a boneless or bone-in joint, depending on your preference. Boneless joints are easier to slice and serve, while bone-in joints can add more flavor to the dish.
When selecting a gammon joint, look for one that is around 1-2 kg (2.2-4.4 lbs) in weight. This size joint will fit comfortably in most slow cookers and will be enough to feed 4-6 people.
Types of Gammon Joints
There are several types of gammon joints available, including:
- Smoked gammon: This type of gammon has been smoked to give it a rich, savory flavor.
- Unsmoked gammon: This type of gammon has not been smoked and has a milder flavor.
- Glazed gammon: This type of gammon has been pre-glazed with a mixture of sugar, mustard, and spices.
Preparing the Gammon Joint
Before cooking the gammon joint, you’ll need to prepare it by scoring the fat and removing any packaging. To score the fat, use a sharp knife to cut a diamond pattern into the fat layer. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
Removing Packaging
If your gammon joint comes with a plastic or foil wrapping, remove this before cooking. You can also remove any elastic netting or string that holds the joint together.
Cooking the Gammon Joint in a Slow Cooker
To cook the gammon joint in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
- Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Add 1-2 cups of liquid to the slow cooker, such as stock, wine, or water.
- Cook the gammon joint on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size and type of gammon joint you’re using. Here are some general guidelines:
| Joint Size | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
| — | — | — |
| 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 10-12 hours | 6-8 hours |
Glazing the Gammon Joint
A glaze can add a rich, sticky flavor to the gammon joint. To glaze the joint, mix together your chosen ingredients (such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices) and brush them over the meat during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Glaze Recipes
Here are a few glaze recipes you can try:
- Honey and Mustard Glaze: Mix together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mustard, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
- Brown Sugar and Spice Glaze: Mix together 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp ground cloves.
- Sticky BBQ Glaze: Mix together 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Serving the Gammon Joint
Once the gammon joint is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. You can serve the joint with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Slicing the Gammon Joint
To slice the gammon joint, use a sharp knife to cut against the grain. You can slice the joint thinly or thickly, depending on your preference.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to try when cooking a gammon joint in a slow cooker:
- Add some aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery can add a depth of flavor to the dish. Simply chop them up and add them to the slow cooker with the gammon joint.
- Use a different type of liquid: Instead of using stock or water, try using a different type of liquid such as apple cider or beer.
- Add some spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the dish.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious gammon joint in your slow cooker that’s perfect for a special occasion or a hearty family meal.
What is the ideal size of gammon joint for a slow cooker?
The ideal size of gammon joint for a slow cooker depends on the size of your slow cooker. A general rule of thumb is to choose a gammon joint that is about 1-2 kg in weight. This size will fit comfortably in most standard-sized slow cookers and will cook evenly throughout. If you have a larger or smaller slow cooker, you can adjust the size of the gammon joint accordingly.
It’s also worth noting that you can always trim the gammon joint to fit your slow cooker if needed. Just make sure to leave enough fat on the joint to keep it moist during cooking. You can also consider using a smaller gammon joint if you’re cooking for a smaller group of people.
How long does it take to cook a gammon joint in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a gammon joint in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the joint and the temperature setting of your slow cooker. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-2 kg gammon joint on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. It’s always best to check the gammon joint for tenderness and cook it for a bit longer if needed.
It’s also worth noting that you can cook a gammon joint overnight and wake up to a delicious, tender joint. Just make sure to set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. You can also cook a gammon joint during the day while you’re out and about, and come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
Do I need to score the fat on a gammon joint before cooking?
Scoring the fat on a gammon joint is optional, but it can help to create a more visually appealing joint. Scoring the fat involves cutting a diamond pattern into the fat layer on the surface of the joint. This can help the fat to render and crisp up during cooking, creating a more appealing texture.
However, if you don’t score the fat, the gammon joint will still cook evenly and be delicious. It’s up to you to decide whether or not to score the fat, depending on your personal preference. If you do choose to score the fat, just make sure to cut carefully and not too deeply, as you don’t want to cut into the meat underneath.
Can I add flavorings to the slow cooker with the gammon joint?
Yes, you can definitely add flavorings to the slow cooker with the gammon joint. In fact, this is a great way to add extra flavor to the joint. You can add aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker, as well as herbs and spices like cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper.
You can also add a liquid to the slow cooker, such as stock or cider, to help keep the gammon joint moist and add extra flavor. Just make sure not to add too much liquid, as this can make the joint steam instead of roast. A good rule of thumb is to add about 250ml of liquid to the slow cooker.
How do I glaze a gammon joint during cooking?
Glazing a gammon joint during cooking is a great way to add a sweet and sticky exterior to the joint. To glaze a gammon joint, you’ll need to mix together a glaze made from ingredients like honey, brown sugar, and mustard. You can brush the glaze over the joint during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To glaze a gammon joint, simply mix together your glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Then, brush the glaze over the joint, making sure to get it all over the surface. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to apply the glaze. If you’re using a slow cooker, you may need to remove the joint from the slow cooker to glaze it, then return it to the slow cooker for the remaining cooking time.
Can I cook a gammon joint from frozen in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a gammon joint from frozen in a slow cooker. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general guideline, you can add an extra 2-3 hours to the cooking time if you’re cooking a frozen gammon joint.
It’s also worth noting that you should always check the gammon joint for tenderness and cook it for a bit longer if needed. You can also thaw the gammon joint overnight in the fridge before cooking it in the slow cooker, if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the joint to an internal temperature of at least 65°C to ensure food safety.
How do I store leftover gammon joint?
If you have leftover gammon joint, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to wrap the joint tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the coldest part of the fridge. You can also freeze leftover gammon joint for up to 3 months.
To freeze leftover gammon joint, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the joint overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot and tender.