Ginger & Honey-Glazed Gammon

Ginger and honey-glazed gammon is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. This recipe serves 10 and features a succulent unsmoked gammon joint that is cooked to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy combination of ginger, dark muscovado sugar, clear honey, and brandy. The result is a beautiful caramelized glaze that adds flavor and visual appeal to the gammon. Whether served hot or cold, this ginger and honey-glazed gammon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4.5–6.8kg/10–15lb unsmoked gammon on the bone
• 2 shallots, peeled and halved
• 6 cloves
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 celery sticks, cut into 5cm/2in lengths
• 2 tablespoons English mustard
• 5cm/2in piece of fresh root ginger, thinly sliced

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place the unsmoked gammon in a large heavy pan along with the shallots, cloves, bay leaves, celery sticks, and enough cold water to cover.
2. Bring the pan to a boil, then cover and simmer the gammon gently for about 5 hours. Use a slotted spoon to skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
3. Remove the gammon from the pan and discard the vegetables and herbs. Allow the gammon to cool.
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
5. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the thick skin from the gammon, leaving an even layer of fat. Score a diamond pattern in the fat.
6. Place the gammon in a roasting tin and evenly spread the English mustard over the surface. Tuck the thinly sliced ginger into the scored fat.
7. In a pan, combine the dark muscovado sugar, clear honey, and brandy. Heat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved to create the glaze.
8. Brush the glaze over the gammon, ensuring it is fully coated.
9. Roast the gammon in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the glaze.
10. Once cooked, remove the gammon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
11. Serve the ginger and honey-glazed gammon either hot or cold, cut into slices.

YIELD: Serves 10

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• It’s important to carefully score the fat on the gammon to allow the glaze to penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Use a sharp knife to remove the gammon’s thick skin, taking care not to remove too much fat.

TIPS:

• To enhance the flavors of the glaze, you can add a dash of spices such as cinnamon or cloves.
• Serve the ginger and honey-glazed gammon with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

In conclusion, ginger and honey-glazed gammon is a delightful and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving a crowd. This recipe yields tender and succulent unsmoked gammon that is cooked to perfection and coated with a delectable glaze made from ginger, dark muscovado sugar, clear honey, and brandy.

To prepare this dish, simmer the gammon with shallots, cloves, bay leaves, and celery until it is tender and flavorful. After cooling, remove the skin and score the fat before applying a generous layer of English mustard and thinly sliced ginger. The glaze, made from dark muscovado sugar, clear honey, and brandy, adds a sweet and tangy touch to the gammon.

Roast the gammon in the oven until the glaze caramelizes, basting it regularly for optimal flavor and moisture. The result is a beautifully glazed gammon with a tantalizing aroma and a caramelized crust.

Serve the ginger and honey-glazed gammon hot or cold, cut into slices. It pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a special meal with loved ones, this ginger and honey-glazed gammon is sure to impress. The combination of ginger, honey, and brandy creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to delight your guests with this mouthwatering ginger and honey-glazed gammon.