Slow cooked gammon is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Known for its tender texture and rich, savory flavor, gammon is a cut of pork from the hind leg that has been cured, much like ham. When cooked slowly, either in a slow cooker or low-temperature oven, the meat becomes exceptionally juicy and infused with the flavors of the cooking liquid. Whether glazed for a sweet finish or served plain with vegetables, slow cooked gammon is a versatile and rewarding meal that is both easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers. From family gatherings to weekday dinners, this recipe for slow cooked gammon offers dependable results with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Slow Cooked Gammon
To get started, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here’s a standard ingredient list for a 1.5 to 2 kg gammon joint:
- 1.52 kg unsmoked or smoked gammon joint (boneless)
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped (optional)
- 23 bay leaves
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 apple, halved (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 liter apple juice, pineapple juice, cider, or water (or a mix)
Optional Glaze Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or wholegrain mustard
- Cloves for studding (optional)
Preparing the Gammon Joint
Step 1: Soak the Gammon (If Needed)
If your gammon is particularly salty or labeled as ‘cure-in-brine,’ it’s a good idea to soak it overnight in cold water. This helps remove excess salt and ensures a balanced flavor. Rinse the joint under running water before cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Place the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and any optional ingredients (like apple or cinnamon) into the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the gammon with subtle flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Gammon and Liquid
Place the gammon joint on top of the vegetables. Pour in your chosen liquid until the gammon is nearly covered. Apple juice or cider provides a mild sweetness, while water keeps the flavors more neutral. Pineapple juice gives a tropical twist.
Slow Cooking Instructions
Set your slow cooker to the appropriate heat setting, depending on your schedule:
- Low setting: 810 hours
- High setting: 45 hours
The long, gentle cooking process will result in soft, tender meat that falls apart easily. If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Finishing the Gammon with a Glaze (Optional)
Step 1: Remove and Rest
Once cooked, carefully lift the gammon joint from the slow cooker and place it on a roasting tray. Let it rest for 1015 minutes. Remove any string or netting, and trim away the outer layer of skin, leaving a thin layer of fat.
Step 2: Score the Fat
Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a crisscross pattern, creating diamond shapes. If you’re using cloves, you can insert one into each diamond for extra flavor and a traditional look.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Brush this glaze evenly over the fat-covered side of the gammon.
Step 4: Roast in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Roast the glazed gammon for 2025 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and baste once or twice during roasting if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooked gammon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few popular serving ideas:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes and green beans for a classic British meal
- With steamed cabbage and mustard sauce
- As a centerpiece in a festive spread with cranberry or apple sauce
- Cold in sandwiches with chutney or pickles
- Shredded into pasta, risotto, or fried rice for easy weekday meals
Tips for the Best Slow Cooked Gammon
- If using a smoked gammon joint, consider adding sweet ingredients like apple or pineapple juice to balance the smoky flavor.
- Don’t discard the cooking liquid strain and save it as a stock base for soups, stews, or sauces.
- Leftover gammon keeps well in the fridge for 34 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Experiment with different glazes: marmalade, apricot jam, or balsamic vinegar can add unique flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After the gammon has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slices can be eaten cold or reheated gently in the microwave or oven. For best results, wrap gammon in foil to prevent it from drying out when reheating. You can also use leftover slices in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or breakfast hash.
Using Leftover Gammon Creatively
Gammon is an excellent ingredient for repurposing into other dishes. Here are some ideas for turning leftovers into new meals:
- Gammon and Pea Soup: Use the leftover cooking broth and shredded gammon with split peas and vegetables for a hearty soup.
- Gammon Fried Rice: Stir-fry chopped gammon with rice, peas, egg, and soy sauce for a quick meal.
- Gammon and Cheese Toasties: Create hot sandwiches with sliced gammon and melted cheddar.
- Gammon Quiche: Mix with eggs, cream, and cheese for a savory tart or quiche.
This recipe for slow cooked gammon delivers consistently tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. The gentle cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, while a sweet glaze offers a satisfying finish. Whether served hot with vegetables or cold in sandwiches, gammon is a budget-friendly, protein-rich dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weekly meal prep. Once you’ve tried it, slow cooked gammon is sure to become a regular part of your kitchen routine.