Succulent Ham Cooked In Cider Recipe: A Rustic Dinner Joy

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of comfort when a delectable ham cooked in cider arrives at your table.

Apples dangling from local orchards inspired this rustic dish that marries sweet and savory flavors.

Soft cider bubbling around tender meat creates a magical culinary experience you’ll remember.

Generations of home cooks have celebrated seasonal ingredients through simple, hearty preparations like this one.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of tangy liquid promise depth beyond ordinary roasts.

Seasonal produce transforms ordinary meals into memorable moments shared around a warm kitchen.

Wondering how such a straightforward recipe could become extraordinary?

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets waiting in your skillet.

Storage and Reheating for Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays moist by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Slice ham into portions, wrap securely in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents to track freshness.
• Place ham slices on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture between each cycle.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in baking dish, add small amount of liquid like cider or water. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider Q&A

• What makes cider a good liquid for cooking ham?

Cider’s natural acidity and subtle sweetness help tenderize the meat and infuse it with a complex, fruity flavor that enhances the ham’s natural richness.

• Can I substitute another liquid if I don't have cider?

While apple cider is traditional, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice and chicken stock, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I know when the ham is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked ham. The meat should also be tender and easily pull apart.

• Is this recipe suitable for different cuts of ham?

This method works best with a gammon joint or large uncooked ham, but might need slight adjustments for pre-cooked or smaller ham cuts.

What Makes Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider So Flavorful

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Feast: This recipe transforms a simple ham into a mouthwatering centerpiece with a unique cider-infused cooking method that guarantees deep, rich flavors in every bite.
• Master Impressive Cooking Technique: The slow-simmering process followed by a glazed roast creates a professional-looking dish that seems complex but is surprisingly straightforward for home cooks.
• Perfect for Festive Gatherings: Ideal for holiday meals, family celebrations, or weekend dinner parties where you want to serve something special that looks and tastes extraordinary.
• Customize with Ease: The glaze offers flexibility to adjust sweetness and spice levels, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and giving you creative control over the final result.

Ingredients for Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider

• Gammon Ham: A traditional British cut of pork that is perfect for slow cooking and glazing.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic flavor base that adds depth and richness to the cooking liquid.

• Cider: A traditional British beverage that provides a sweet and tangy cooking liquid for the ham.
• Bay Leaves, Cinnamon, Peppercorns: Whole spices that infuse the ham with warm and complex flavors during cooking.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• English Mustard, Wholegrain Mustard: Adds sharp and tangy notes to the glaze.
• Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a bright acidic element to the glaze.

Instructions for Making Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider

Step 1: Prep the Ham Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Bay leaves
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole peppercorns

These ingredients will infuse the ham with rich, deep flavors during cooking.

Step 2: Simmer in Liquid Gold

Pour cider over the ham and vegetable mixture. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let the ham gently simmer for about 22.5 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Heat Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 190°C (or 170°C for fan-assisted ovens). This will prepare the perfect environment for glazing and finishing the ham.

Step 4: Create a Tangy Glaze

• Sugar
• English mustard
• Wholegrain mustard
• Vinegar

Mix until you have a smooth, glossy coating that will caramelize beautifully on the ham’s surface.

Step 5: Prepare the Ham for Roasting

Carefully remove the ham from the cooking liquid. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.

Step 6: Glaze and Roast

Generously brush the ham with the prepared glaze. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling exterior that promises incredible flavor.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the ham to rest briefly after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious. Slice and serve to eager guests.

Best Tips for Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider

• Cider Selection Matters: Choose a dry or medium-dry cider for deeper flavor complexity without overwhelming sweetness.
• Scoring Technique Perfected: Create diamond-shaped cuts in ham fat layer about 1cm apart to help glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
• Vegetable Base Boost: Roughly chop onions, carrots, and celery to release maximum flavor during long simmering process.
• Glaze Application Pro: Apply mustard glaze in thin, even layers for gorgeous golden-brown caramelization without burning.
• Temperature Control Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal ham temperature reaches 65C for perfect doneness and food safety.

Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider with a Twist

• Alcohol-Free Cider Swap: Replace cider with apple juice or non-alcoholic apple cider for a family-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the cooking liquid for enhanced aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Glazed Option: Substitute English mustard with sriracha or hot sauce for a fiery kick in the glaze.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of cider and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthier recipe.

What to Serve with Nigella Ham Cooked In Cider

• Elevate Cider-Glazed Ham Pairings
• Sip Crisp Apple Cider: Match the cooking liquid with a chilled, sparkling apple cider for a harmonious flavor experience that echoes the ham's cooking process.
• Serve Roasted Root Vegetables: Create a complementary side with caramelized parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes that mirror the ham's rich, sweet glaze.
• Pair with Tangy Slaw: Craft a zesty apple and cabbage coleslaw with a light vinaigrette to cut through the ham's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Offer a rustic sourdough or seeded artisan bread to soak up the delicious glazed ham juices and complete the meal.

Ham Cooked In Cider Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 23 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Savor succulent French-style ham simmered in aromatic cider, revealing layers of classic countryside comfort. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll cherish at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in gammon joint (22.5 kg / 49.6 lbs)
• 500 milliliters (2 cups) dry cider

Vegetables:

• 2 onions, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped

Herbs, Spices, and Condiments:

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons demerara sugar
• 2 tablespoons English mustard
• 2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Position the gammon in a spacious cooking vessel, surrounding it with aromatic vegetables and fragrant spices.
2. Immerse the meat completely in cider, ensuring full coverage with liquid.
3. Initiate high-heat cooking until liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce to gentle simmer.
4. Cover and allow meat to poach slowly for approximately 22-23 hours, maintaining low temperature.
5. Heat oven to 190°C (170°C for fan-assisted ovens) while preparing the glaze.
6. Whisk together mustard varieties, sugar, and vinegar to create a complex, tangy coating.
7. Carefully extract ham from cooking liquid and pat dry with kitchen towels.
8. Create decorative diagonal score marks across the fatty surface using a sharp knife.
9. Generously brush the entire surface with prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage.
10. Transfer ham to roasting tray and place in preheated oven.
11. Roast for 20-30 minutes, watching for rich golden-brown caramelization and bubbling glaze.
12. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly, letting juices redistribute.
13. Slice against the grain and serve while still warm.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by selecting a high-quality gammon joint with good marbling for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Enhance cider’s depth by using a local craft or artisan apple cider with complex apple notes for richer taste profile.
• Customize glaze by adjusting mustard ratios to create sweet, tangy, or spicy variations that suit different palate preferences.
• Prevent dryness through precise cooking time and temperature monitoring, ensuring ham remains succulent and perfectly cooked throughout.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 hours 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg