Mastering Gammon: A Guide to Cooking and Glazing

Gammon is an excellent alternative to your usual roast meats. There are so many options for gammon, and you can enjoy it with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these gammon recipes will satisfy your cravings.

Classic Boiled Gammon

To begin, weigh your gammon to calculate the cooking time. Then, follow these steps:

1. Place the gammon in a large pan and cover it with cold water.
2. Add flavourings of your choice, such as cinnamon, bay leaves, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and onion.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 30 minutes per 450g/1lb of gammon.
4. Periodically skim off any white froth that rises to the surface and discard it.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let the gammon cool in the stock.
6. Drain the gammon and chill it until ready to serve.
7. Slice and enjoy!
8.  

Glazed Baked Gammon

If you prefer a caramelised and slightly crispy finish, you can bake your gammon using this method:

1. After boiling the gammon according to the instructions above, drain it and reserve the stock if desired.
2. Allow the gammon to cool slightly and remove the top layer of skin, leaving a thin layer of fat around the meat.
3. Score the fat with a sharp knife and brush it with your choice of glaze. A mixture of maple syrup and coarse-grain mustard works wonders!
4. For an extra touch of flavour, you can also stud the fat with cloves.
5. Place the gammon in a foil-lined roasting tin and bake it at 220C/fan 200C for 20-30 minutes (based on a 5kg ham) or until the glaze turns golden.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

These gammon recipes are versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different glazes, herbs, and spices to create a dish that suits your palate. Serve the gammon alongside your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

So next time you’re planning a special meal or craving a hearty dinner, give these gammon recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you!