Savor the Magic: Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooked Ham Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooked ham requires patience and a dash of culinary magic.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone with minimal effort.

Families gather around the table, anticipating delectable flavors that promise comfort and satisfaction.

Succulent aromas fill the kitchen, hinting at the delightful meal ahead.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of smoky and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

Seasoned with care and cooked to perfection, this recipe will become your go-to centerpiece for special occasions.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible dish.

Top Reasons To Cook James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

• Simplify Cooking Process: Hands-off slow cooking method eliminates complex cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for beginners and busy home cooks who want delicious results without constant monitoring.
• Elevate Flavor Combination: Marmalade glaze with cloves transforms a basic ham into a gourmet dish, adding sweet and aromatic notes that make this recipe stand out from traditional preparations.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weekend meals, this recipe provides a hearty main course that impresses guests and satisfies hunger with minimal effort.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Slow cooker technique ensures tender, juicy ham without complicated steps, allowing cooks to multitask while the dish prepares itself, reducing kitchen stress and maximizing convenience.

James Martin Slow Cooked Ham Ingredient Breakdown

• Gammon: A flavorful cut of pork that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.

• Cloves: Fragrant spice that adds a warm, distinctive flavor to the ham.

• Marmalade, Butter: Sweet and rich ingredients that enhance the ham's flavor and create a glossy finish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean taste to the potatoes.
• Potatoes: Starchy side dish that complements the rich ham.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Steps For Cooking James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Bay leaves
• Peppercorns

Cover the gammon completely with cold water.

Step 2: Initiate Slow Cooking

Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the gammon to cook gently for 8 hours. This slow process helps tenderize the meat and infuse deep flavors.

Step 3: Create Marmalade Glaze

Warm orange marmalade in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes smooth and slightly runny. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Decorate and Enhance Ham

Remove the gammon from the slow cooker and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the fat in a diamond pattern. Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scored fat. Brush the entire surface generously with the warm marmalade glaze.

Step 5: Final Caramelization

Return the glazed ham to the slow cooker and set to high temperature. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 6: Prepare Herbed Potatoes

• Melted butter
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ham into thick, juicy portions. Arrange on a serving platter alongside the herbed potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful meal.

Handy Tips For James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

• Lock in Moisture: Cover the gammon completely with cold water to ensure juicy, tender meat throughout cooking.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add whole peppercorns, bay leaves, or onions to the cooking liquid for enhanced taste profile.
• Perfect Glaze Technique: Gently warm marmalade to create a smooth, even coating that caramelizes beautifully on the ham's surface.
• Clove Placement Pro: Stud cloves symmetrically in a diamond pattern for an elegant presentation and balanced spice distribution.
• Potato Perfection: Toss hot potatoes immediately with butter and fresh parsley to create a glossy, flavorful side dish that complements the ham.

Recipe Ideas For James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

• Citrus Infusion Variation: Replace marmalade with orange or lemon zest and honey for a brighter, tangy glaze.
• Herb-Crusted Alternative: Coat ham with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic before slow cooking for an aromatic flavor profile.
• Spicy Maple Version: Swap marmalade with maple syrup and add red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.

Good Pairings For James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

• Enhance Flavor with Zesty Sidekicks: Pair the succulent slow-cooked ham with a crisp Riesling white wine, balancing the sweet marmalade glaze with its bright acidity.
• Create Complementary Plate Companions: Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bits provide a savory contrast to the ham's rich sweetness, adding depth to the meal.
• Match Texture and Taste: Serve a tangy apple chutney alongside the ham, offering a sharp, fruity counterpoint that cuts through the meat's richness and elevates the overall dining experience.
• Refresh with Bright Sides: Prepare a light, citrusy fennel and orange salad with a gentle vinaigrette to cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the hearty ham dish.

Storing James Martin Slow Cooked Ham Made Easy

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays covered to prevent drying out.
• Wrap sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs For James Martin Slow Cooked Ham

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of gammon?

While gammon is traditional, you can substitute with other large cuts of pork like a pork shoulder or fresh ham for similar results.

• How do I know the ham is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For pork, it should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

• Is it necessary to score the fat before glazing?

Scoring helps the marmalade glaze penetrate and caramelize better, creating a more flavorful and visually appealing exterior on the ham.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a large pot on the stovetop or an oven. Adjust cooking times and liquid levels accordingly, typically simmering for 3-4 hours until meat is tender.

Slow Cooked Ham Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Rich, succulent Slow Cooked Ham emerges as a centerpiece of comfort, promising melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort. Hearty flavors mingle through patient cooking, delivering a classic dish that brings warmth to family gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 kilograms (11 pounds) gammon
• 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) new potatoes
• 375 grams (13.2 ounces) marmalade

Aromatics and Fruits:

• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 orange, halved
• 1 apple, halved
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 star anise
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Nestle the gammon joint into the slow cooker, surrounding it with aromatic herbs and spices, then completely submerge with chilled water.
2. Allow the meat to gently simmer and tenderize on low temperature setting for approximately 8 hours, ensuring deep flavor infusion.
3. Carefully transfer the cooked gammon onto a baking tray, reserving the cooking liquid for potential future use.
4. Gently heat marmalade in a small saucepan until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
5. Create decorative diamond-shaped scoring across the ham’s fat layer, enhancing visual appeal and allowing glaze penetration.
6. Strategically insert whole cloves into the scored intersections, adding traditional fragrant depth.
7. Generously brush the entire surface with warm marmalade, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior.
8. Return the glazed ham to the slow cooker, switching to high temperature for a final 30-minute intensification of flavors and appearance.
9. While ham completes its final cooking, boil potatoes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
10. Drain potatoes and luxuriously coat with melted butter, freshly chopped parsley, and delicate seasoning.
11. Carve the ham into elegant, succulent slices and serve immediately alongside the herbed potatoes.

Notes

• Ensure water fully covers the gammon to maintain moisture and prevent drying out during slow cooking.
• Opt for a mild, sweet marmalade like orange or apricot to create a balanced glaze that complements the ham’s saltiness.
• Remove excess fat before scoring to prevent an overly greasy final dish, keeping the texture lean and appetizing.
• For a low-sodium version, use reduced-salt gammon and replace marmalade with honey or maple syrup for a lighter glaze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 462 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg