Last Updated on February 6, 2023
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook gammon, then look no further than your slow cooker. Cooking gammon in a slow cooker is not only incredibly simple but also results in the most succulent, melt-in-your-mouth dish. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing everything from what you need to make it happen, cooking instructions and even some tasty serving suggestions. Plus there are plenty of tips and tricks along the way too – so get ready to learn how to cook gammon in a slow cooker like a pro.
Table of Contents:
- What You Need
- Cooking Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips and Tricks
- FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Gammon in a Slow Cooker
- Conclusion
What You Need
Ingredients
When it comes to slow cooking gammon, you’ll need a few ingredients. To start, you’ll need the main ingredient – a piece of gammon. Depending on how many people you’re feeding and what size slow cooker you have, this can range from 500g to 2kg in weight. You’ll also need some vegetables such as carrots and onions for flavour and texture. Finally, pick up some stock or broth that matches the type of meat – chicken stock is usually best for pork dishes like this one.
Equipment
You’ll also need some equipment when making your slow cooked gammon dish. The most important item is obviously the slow cooker itself; if possible try to get one with a timer so that your meal will be ready at exactly the right time. Other items include kitchen scissors (for trimming any excess fat off your meat), measuring spoons (to measure out herbs and spices) and tongs (for turning over pieces of meat).
Preparation Steps
Before adding everything to your slow cooker there are a few steps that should be taken first. Firstly, trim away any excess fat from the gammon using kitchen scissors before placing it into the pot – this will help reduce greasiness during cooking. Secondly, peel and chop up all vegetables needed for flavouring – onion slices work particularly well here. Finally, season generously with salt and pepper then add in enough liquid to just cover everything in the pot before setting it off on its way.
Once you have all the necessary ingredients, equipment and tools for cooking gammon in a slow cooker, it’s time to move on to the next step: Cooking Instructions.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking gammon in a slow cooker is a great way to make sure it’s cooked through without drying out. It’s also incredibly easy and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy households. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Preparing the Gammon – Before you begin cooking your gammon, take it out of its packaging and rinse off any excess salt or brine that may be on the surface. Pat dry with kitchen paper then place into your slow cooker pot.
2. Adding Liquid – Pour enough liquid into the pot so that it covers at least two-thirds of the meat but not more than three-quarters as this can cause boiling rather than simmering which will affect how tender your gammon is when cooked. You can use water, stock or cider – whichever you prefer.
3. Cooking Time – Depending on how large your piece of gammon is, set your slow cooker to either low heat (for 8 hours) or high heat (for 4 hours). If using a joint of ham instead of an entire piece of gammon, reduce these times by half accordingly.
Once you have cooked your gammon in the slow cooker, you can move on to thinking about how to serve it.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving gammon, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your main course or something special for Sunday lunch, there are plenty of options that will pair perfectly with this delicious meat.
For starters, potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to any gammon dish. Roast potatoes, mashed potatoes and boiled new potatoes all work well with gammon – just be sure to add some butter and herbs for extra flavour. If you’re feeling adventurous why not try sweet potato wedges or dauphinoise?
Vegetables also go great with gammon. Steamed carrots, green beans and broccoli all provide a healthy balance alongside the rich flavours of the meat. You could even mix things up by adding roasted vegetables such as courgettes or peppers into the mix too.
If you’re after something more indulgent then why not try some creamy cauliflower cheese? This classic British side is always a hit at dinner time – plus it adds another layer of texture and flavour to your meal. Or if you want something lighter then opt for a crisp salad instead – think crunchy lettuce leaves combined with juicy tomatoes and cucumber slices topped off with a light dressing.
Finally, don’t forget about sauces. A simple gravy made from pan juices can take your meal from good to great in no time. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something zesty then why not whip up some homemade apple sauce? It’s easy enough to make but really packs a punch when served alongside succulent slices of ham.
Once you have cooked your gammon in the slow cooker, there are many delicious serving suggestions to choose from. Read on for tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your slow-cooked gammon.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking gammon can be a tricky business. It’s easy to end up with an overcooked, dry piece of meat that no one wants to eat. To make sure your gammon is cooked perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks:
Start With the Right Cut
When buying gammon, look for a joint with plenty of fat marbling throughout. This will help keep it moist while cooking and give you the best flavour possible. If you’re unsure which cut to buy, ask your butcher for advice on what would work best for your recipe.
Choose Your Cooking Method Carefully
The most common way to cook gammon is by boiling or steaming it in water or stock until tender – this method helps retain moisture and keeps the flavours intact. However, if you want something more flavorful then roasting or grilling may be better options as they allow the fat from the meat to render down into delicious juices that can be used later in sauces or gravies. Just remember not to overcook.
Add Flavorings Beforehand
Adding herbs and spices before cooking will infuse extra flavour into your dish – try adding bay leaves, cloves or juniper berries when boiling; rosemary sprigs when roasting; garlic slices when grilling; and mustard powder when steaming. You could also add honey glaze during cooking for added sweetness (but don’t forget about sugar content).
Don’t Overcook
As mentioned above, it’s important not to overcook your gammon – aim for an internal temperature of 70°C/158°F using a digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the joint without touching bone – any higher than this will result in dryness so take care not to overdo it. Also bear in mind that resting time after cooking should always be taken into account as well – cover loosely with foil and leave somewhere warm before serving (this allows juices from inside meat to settle back evenly).
Serve With Delicious Accompaniments
Gammon goes great with all sorts of accompaniments such as roasted vegetables like carrots and parsnips plus potatoes mashed with butter and cream cheese – these all help balance out richness from fat within meat itself whilst adding extra texture and flavour too. Alternatively, why not serve alongside creamy coleslaw made using crunchy cabbage mixed together with mayonnaise? Whatever side dishes you choose make sure they complement the main course perfectly.
FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Gammon in a Slow Cooker
How much liquid do you need in a slow cooker?
The amount of liquid you need in a slow cooker depends on the recipe and type of food being cooked. Generally, it is recommended to add at least 1 cup (240 ml) of liquid such as broth, stock or water for every 4-5 hours of cooking time. If the dish contains vegetables or beans, an additional ½ cup (120 ml) may be needed. When using a whole chicken or large cuts of meat, adding 2 cups (480 ml) should provide enough moisture to prevent drying out during the long cooking process. Always check the recipe for specific instructions on how much liquid to use.
How do you know when gammon is cooked in a slow cooker?
To ensure that your gammon is cooked properly in a slow cooker, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the meat. Using a digital thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the gammon and make sure that it reads at least 74°C (165°F). If not, continue cooking until this temperature is reached. Additionally, you can also use a fork to test for doneness – if the gammon easily pulls apart when pierced with a fork then it’s ready. Finally, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and cook for a little longer.
Is it possible to overcook gammon in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to overcook gammon in a slow cooker. The key is to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust cooking times accordingly. If the temperature gets too high, the gammon can become dry and tough. To avoid this, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your gammon before serving. Additionally, you should also reduce cooking time if you notice that your gammon has already started to brown or char around the edges.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can have your meal ready in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something special for Sunday lunch, cooking gammon is sure to be the star of the show. So why not learn how to cook gammon in a slow cooker? You won’t regret it. And don’t forget that with some practice and patience, you’ll soon become an expert at cooking gammon in your slow cooker.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.