how to cook gammon

Introduction
Gammon is a popular meat dish that is incredibly flavorful and easy to cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, cooking gammon can be a delightful experience. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious recipe for cooking gammon that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Ingredients
Before getting started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5kg gammon joint
- 2 onions
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Gammon
Start by placing the gammon joint in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Allow the gammon to soak for at least four hours or overnight, changing the water occasionally. This will help to remove excess salt from the meat.
Step 2: Boiling the Gammon
Once the gammon has been soaked, drain the water and place the joint back into the pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery sticks, bay leaf, and black peppercorns to the pot. Cover everything with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 20 minutes per pound (450g) of gammon.
Step 3: Glazing the Gammon
While the gammon is simmering, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, and mustard to create a glaze. After the gammon has finished simmering, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a baking tray. Remove the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern. Brush the glaze over the scored fat.
Step 4: Roasting the Gammon
Put the gammon in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and turned golden brown. Baste the gammon with the glaze every 10 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Serving the Gammon
Once the gammon is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the gammon with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Variations
While the basic recipe outlined above is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular variations include adding cloves to the boiling water or using maple syrup instead of honey for the glaze. Get creative and make the recipe your own!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook gammon, you can confidently prepare this delicious dish for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a savory meal, gammon is sure to impress. Enjoy the tender, juicy meat and the delightful combination of flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!