Gammon is a classic British dish that is often served during special occasions and holidays. It’s a type of cured ham that is usually boiled or roasted, but cooking it in a slow cooker can bring out its full flavor and tenderize it to perfection. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious gammon in a slow cooker.
Understanding Gammon and Its Benefits
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first understand what gammon is and its benefits. Gammon is a type of cured ham that is made from the hind leg of a pig. It’s cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture. Gammon is a popular dish in the UK and is often served during Christmas and Easter.
Gammon has several benefits that make it a great addition to any meal. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as vegetables, potatoes, and salads.
Choosing the Right Gammon Joint
When it comes to choosing the right gammon joint, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Choose a gammon joint that is the right size for your slow cooker. A 1-2 kg joint is ideal for a standard-sized slow cooker.
- Type: There are several types of gammon joints available, including smoked, unsmoked, and glazed. Choose a type that suits your taste preferences.
- Quality: Look for a gammon joint that is made from high-quality meat and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
Preparing the Gammon Joint
Before cooking the gammon joint, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Removing the Packaging
Remove the gammon joint from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat the joint dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Scoring the Fat
Use a sharp knife to score the fat on the surface of the gammon joint. This will help the fat render during cooking and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
Adding Aromatics
Add aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. These will add flavor to the gammon joint during cooking.
Cooking the Gammon Joint in a Slow Cooker
Now that the gammon joint is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here are the steps to follow:
Adding Liquid
Add liquid to the slow cooker, such as stock or water, to cover the gammon joint. You can also add flavorings such as cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper.
Cooking on Low
Cook the gammon joint on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of gammon joint you are using.
Checking the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the gammon joint. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 65°C (150°F) to ensure food safety.
Glazing the Gammon Joint
Once the gammon joint is cooked, it’s time to glaze it. Here are the steps to follow:
Mixing the Glaze
Mix together ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, and mustard to create a sticky glaze.
Brushing the Glaze
Brush the glaze all over the gammon joint, making sure to cover it evenly.
Returning to the Slow Cooker
Return the gammon joint to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Serving the Gammon Joint
Once the gammon joint is cooked and glazed, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips make a delicious side dish for gammon.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for gammon. Simply boil diced potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk.
- Salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad make a great accompaniment to gammon.
Carving the Gammon Joint
To carve the gammon joint, use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. Serve with your choice of sides and accompaniments.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking gammon in a slow cooker:
- Use a slow cooker liner: A slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier and prevent the gammon joint from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Add flavorings: Add flavorings such as cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper to the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Use a different type of gammon joint: Experiment with different types of gammon joints, such as smoked or glazed, for a different flavor profile.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gammon joint | 1-2 kg |
| Onions | 2-3 |
| Carrots | 2-3 |
| Celery | 2-3 stalks |
| Stock or water | 1-2 liters |
| Cloves | 2-3 |
| Bay leaves | 2-3 |
| Black pepper | 1-2 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 2-3 tbsp |
| Honey | 1-2 tbsp |
| Mustard | 1-2 tsp |
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and tender gammon joint in your slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, gammon is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to make gammon in a slow cooker?
What is gammon and how does it differ from ham?
Gammon is a type of cured meat that comes from the hind leg of a pig. It is similar to ham but is typically less processed and has a more robust flavor. Gammon is often sold with the bone still intact, which makes it ideal for slow cooking. The main difference between gammon and ham is the level of processing and the cut of meat used.
When cooking gammon, it’s essential to note that it will have a slightly different texture and flavor profile compared to ham. Gammon is often more tender and juicy, with a more pronounced pork flavor. This makes it an excellent choice for slow cooking, as the low heat and moisture help to break down the connective tissues and infuse the meat with flavor.
What are the benefits of cooking gammon in a slow cooker?
Cooking gammon in a slow cooker offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for tender and even cooking, which can be challenging to achieve with traditional oven roasting. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. Additionally, slow cooking gammon is a convenient and hands-off process, making it ideal for busy households.
Another benefit of slow cooking gammon is the ability to infuse the meat with a rich and intense flavor. The slow cooker allows the gammon to absorb the flavors of the cooking liquid and any added aromatics, resulting in a deeply flavorful final product. This makes it an excellent choice for special occasions or holidays, where a show-stopping main course is required.
What type of slow cooker is best for cooking gammon?
When it comes to cooking gammon in a slow cooker, the type of slow cooker used can make a difference. A large capacity slow cooker is ideal, as it allows for the gammon to be cooked in one piece. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended, as this will provide enough room for the gammon and any added cooking liquid.
It’s also essential to consider the type of slow cooker’s heating element. A slow cooker with a ceramic or stoneware insert is ideal, as these materials distribute heat evenly and prevent hotspots. Avoid using a slow cooker with a metal insert, as this can cause the gammon to cook unevenly.
How long does it take to cook gammon in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for gammon in a slow cooker will depend on the size and type of gammon used. As a general rule, a 2-3 pound gammon will take around 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high. It’s essential to check the gammon regularly during the cooking time, as the cooking time may vary depending on the specific slow cooker and gammon used.
It’s also important to note that the gammon should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I add flavorings and spices to the gammon while it cooks?
Yes, you can add flavorings and spices to the gammon while it cooks. In fact, this is one of the benefits of slow cooking gammon. The slow cooker allows the gammon to absorb the flavors of the cooking liquid and any added aromatics, resulting in a deeply flavorful final product. You can add a variety of flavorings, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the slow cooker with the gammon.
You can also add spices and herbs, such as cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper, to the slow cooker for added flavor. Brown sugar and mustard are also popular additions, as they add a sweet and tangy flavor to the gammon. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find the one that works best for you.
How do I glaze the gammon during the last 30 minutes of cooking?
Glazing the gammon during the last 30 minutes of cooking is a great way to add a sweet and sticky exterior to the meat. To glaze the gammon, mix together a glaze made from ingredients such as brown sugar, mustard, and honey. Brush the glaze all over the gammon, making sure to coat it evenly.
Return the gammon to the slow cooker and continue to cook for the remaining 30 minutes. The glaze will caramelize and stick to the gammon, creating a sweet and sticky exterior. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as cloves and citrus zest, for added flavor.
How do I serve the gammon after it’s cooked?
Once the gammon is cooked, it’s essential to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Slice the gammon thinly against the grain, using a sharp knife.
You can serve the gammon with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and braised greens. The gammon is also excellent served with a sweet and tangy sauce, such as a honey mustard sauce. Experiment with different serving options to find the one that works best for you.