Mary berry Ham Cooked in Apple Juice

Mary berry Ham Cooked in Apple Juice is a classic British dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. This recipe involves gently simmering a gammon joint in apple juice until it’s tender and juicy, then glazing it with honey and mustard for extra flavor. The result is a succulent and sweet ham that’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more.

Why people also love Mary berry Ham Cooked in Apple Juice

People also love Mary Berry’s ham cooked in apple juice because it combines the savory richness of ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple juice. The apple juice infuses the ham with a subtle sweetness, while keeping it moist and tender during cooking. The addition of honey and mustard glaze adds a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates and makes it a favorite among many.

Ingredients:

• 1 large unsmoked gammon joint (about 2.5 kg)
• 2 liters of apple juice
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Whole cloves for studding (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for glazing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Place the gammon joint in a large pot or saucepan.
   • Pour the apple juice over the gammon until it is fully submerged. If needed, top up with water.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • Add the onion, carrots, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick (if using) to the pot.
3. Cook the Ham:
   • After this,Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the joint; aim for about 20 minutes per 500g.
   • Check occasionally to ensure the ham remains submerged. Top up with more apple juice or water if necessary.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F.
5. Prepare for Baking:
   • Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
   • If you wish to glaze the ham, carefully remove the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves (if using).
6. Glaze the Ham (Optional):
   • After this,Mix the honey and mustard together to make the glaze.
   • Brush the glaze over the scored fat of the ham.
7. Bake the Ham:
   • Place the ham in a roasting tin and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and sticky.
8. Rest and Serve:
   • Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
   • Serve warm or cold as part of your meal.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Cook Time: 2 hours 
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes 
• Yield: 1 delicious ham joint 
• Servings Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a side of tangy apple sauce. 
• Tips: Make sure to score the skin of the ham before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate. Baste the ham regularly with the apple juice mixture for extra juiciness.
• Nutrition Information: This dish is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, but keep in mind that the glaze may add some extra sugar and calories. 
• Presentation: Slice the ham thinly and arrange it on a serving platter garnished with fresh herbs and apple slices for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Variations and substitutions you can make to Mary berry Ham Cooked in Apple Juice:

1. Instead of apple juice, try using cranberry juice or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
2. Experiment with different glazes such as maple syrup and brown sugar, pineapple juice and honey, or mustard and brown sugar.
3. You can substitute the gammon joint with pork shoulder or pork loin for a leaner option.
4. For a smokier flavor, use smoked gammon or bacon instead of unsmoked.
5. Add more herbs and spices such as cinnamon, thyme, and cloves to enhance the flavors.
6. Instead of boiling the ham, try roasting it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes per pound until heated through.
7. To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can use a seitan roast or tofu in place of the ham.
8. For a gluten-free option, make sure to use a gluten-free mustard and double-check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
9. You can add different vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery to the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
10. For a more indulgent version, try adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the cooking liquid for an added depth of flavor.

Recommendations and notices

1. Make sure to remove any packaging or wrappings from the gammon joint before cooking it.
2. Score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the flavors to penetrate, but be careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
3. Use a large enough pot to accommodate the size of your gammon joint, with enough room for the liquid to cover it completely.
4. For extra flavor, add a bay leaf, black peppercorns, and garlic cloves to the cooking liquid.
5. Make sure to baste the ham regularly with the apple juice mixture during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Allow the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
7. Leftoverham can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
8. When glazing the ham, keep an eye on it as it can easily burn due to the high sugar content. If necessary, cover the ham with foil halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
9. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F before serving.
10. Remember to tie your hair back and wear an apron to avoid any accidents while cooking!

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Ham Cooked in Apple Juice is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for holidays or any special occasion. The combination of gammon joint with apple juice and other flavorful ingredients creates a moist and tender ham with just the right amount of sweetness. The recipe allows for variations and substitutions to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish for any home cook. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using leftovers in sandwiches or salads, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors and aromas.

See more healthy recipes

Top recipes