With the holiday season coming up, many of us are looking for the perfect, festive meal. For the experienced cook, there’s nothing more satisfying than a succulent gammon. Yet for those of us who are not as confident in the kitchen, a gammon can seem like a daunting prospect.
Never fear, however – this guide is here to help you cook the perfect gammon, whatever your level of experience.
Contents
What is Gammon?
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to understand what gammon is. Put simply, gammon is a cured and smoked pork joint. It is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Generally, it is roasted in the oven or boiled in a pan.
Choosing Your Gammon
The first step in cooking gammon is selecting the right joint. You can buy gammon from most supermarkets and butchers. It usually comes as a joint, but there are also gammon steaks available.
When selecting your joint, look for one that is uniform in size and shape. This will ensure that it cooks evenly.
Preparing Your Gammon
Once you have chosen your joint, it’s time to get prepping. Start by removing any strings or netting, then soak the gammon in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.
Next, score the rind in a diamond pattern. This will help the gammon absorb the flavours of the glaze.
Making a Glaze
A glaze is the key to a tasty gammon. You can use a store-bought glaze, or make your own. We recommend a mix of honey, brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice.
Cooking the Gammon
Now the fun bit – it’s time to get cooking! Preheat your oven to 180°C and place the joint in a roasting tin. Cover the joint with foil and bake for 20 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 20 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking time, pour your glaze over the joint and baste it with the juices from the tin.
Serving the Gammon
Once your gammon is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favourite festive side dishes and enjoy!
Table of Gammon Cooking Times
| Weight of Gammon | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 750g | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| 1kg | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| 1.5kg | 2 hours |
| 2kg | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect gammon isn’t as hard as it seems. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can make a delicious festive meal.
So why not give it a go? Break out the apron and the oven gloves, and get cooking. And remember, as the great chef Julia Child once said: “Bon appétit!”
As the song goes, “I’m gonna cook me up some gammon, I’m gonna make it nice and brown. I’m gonna serve it up with some potatoes, and a side of festive fun!”
