The enticing aroma filling the kitchen, the anticipation of a tender and flavorful meal, and the convenience of a slow cooker – these are the elements that make slow cooker recipes so irresistible. Today, I am excited to share with you a recipe that perfectly embodies all of these qualities: Slow Cooker Gammon. This hearty and succulent dish will not only impress your family and friends, but it will also become a staple in your recipe rotation.
One winter evening, I invited some friends over for a cozy dinner. As the hours ticked away, I found myself frantically trying to prepare multiple dishes in the limited time I had. Stressed and overwhelmed, I turned to my slow cooker as a lifesaver. I chose to make Slow Cooker Gammon (it was only 2 ingredients), and it turned out to be the star of the evening. The tender and juicy gammon, simmered in a delicious glaze, was an absolute crowd-pleaser. It not only saved me from a cooking disaster, but also left my guests raving about the meal for weeks to come. So, believe me when I say that this recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen.
But before we get into the recipe, let’s answer some FAQs:
What’s the difference between gammon and ham?
Gammon and ham are both pork products, but they have distinct differences. Ham refers to the meat that comes from the hind leg of a pig, often cured or smoked. It is typically sold in pre-cooked or cured forms and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
On the other hand, gammon refers to the hind leg of a pig that has been cured, but it is not smoked. It is usually sold in raw or uncooked form and requires cooking before consumption.
While ham is readily available in most grocery stores and butcher shops across the United States, gammon might be more challenging to find. Specialty butcher shops, gourmet food stores, or online retailers that specialize in British or European products may be your best bet to find gammon in the US.
Your recipe is so simple. Do I need to add liquid?
Yes, the recipe below is just 2 ingredients. No, you don’t need to add liquid as the sugar draws out the salt from meat naturally, creating juice as it slow cooks.
Slow Cooker Gammon
Ingredients:
– 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) gammon joint
– 1.5 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar in greased slow cooker.
2. Place in gammon joint and top with 1/2 cup more of brown sugar.
3. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 8 hours, or until the gammon is tender and cooked through.
4. Carefully remove the gammon joint from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
5. Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the liquid until it thickens into a glaze-like consistency.
6. Slice the gammon joint and drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Slow Cooker Gammon.
This slow cooker recipe truly takes the stress out of cooking and rewards you with a delicious and impressive dish. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the gammon becomes incredibly tender and packed with flavor. So, don’t hesitate to save this recipe and give it a try – your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you for it!