Mary Berry's Gammon Joint Recipe

What is Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe?

Mary Berry’s gammon joint recipe is a classic way to prepare a flavorful, succulent gammon, perfect for a Sunday roast or a festive dinner. The gammon is often glazed with honey or mustard and cooked until tender, making it a crowd-pleaser at any table.

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What Goes Best with Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe?

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes pair beautifully.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the saltiness of the gammon.
Braised Cabbage: Red cabbage or green beans make excellent sides.
Apple Sauce: A sweet apple sauce cuts through the savory flavors.
Cranberry Sauce: Adds a festive and tart contrast.
Gravy: Gammon can be served with a light, savory gravy.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

1.5-2 kg (3.3-4.4 lbs) gammon joint, unsmoked or smoked
1 onion, halved
1 carrot, roughly chopped
1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
Water, to cover

For the glaze (optional):

4 tbsp honey or mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
Whole cloves (optional)

How to Prepare Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

Instructions:

Boil the Gammon:
- Place the gammon joint in a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours (depending on the size of the gammon), or until the meat is tender.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) or Gas Mark 5 if you plan to bake the gammon with a glaze.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
- If you’re glazing the gammon, mix the honey (or mustard) and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Score and Glaze the Gammon:
- Once the gammon has finished cooking, carefully lift it out of the cooking liquid and place it on a baking tray. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Remove the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a crisscross pattern and, if using, insert a clove in each diamond.
- Brush the glaze all over the surface of the gammon.
Bake the Gammon:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and sticky. Baste occasionally with the juices in the tray.
Rest the Gammon:
- Remove from the oven and let the gammon rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes:

Unsalted Gammon: If your gammon is heavily salted, you may want to soak it in water for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking to reduce the saltiness.
Glaze Variations: You can experiment with different glazes such as marmalade or maple syrup for a sweeter finish.

How to Serve Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

Slice the gammon thinly and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad. Serve with mustard or apple sauce on the side.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

To reheat, cover the gammon with foil and heat in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 20-30 minutes, until warmed through. You can also reheat slices of gammon in a skillet over low heat with a little butter.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

In the fridge: Store leftover gammon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: You can freeze sliced or whole gammon. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Gammon Joint Recipe

How long should I cook the gammon?
Cooking time depends on the size of the joint. A good rule is 20 minutes per 500g (1 lb) of gammon, plus an additional 20 minutes.
Should I soak the gammon before cooking?
If your gammon is particularly salty, soak it in water for a few hours or overnight to reduce the saltiness.
Can I cook the gammon in the oven instead of boiling it?
Yes, you can roast the gammon in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes per 500g (1 lb). Cover with foil for most of the cooking time, removing it in the last 30 minutes to glaze.
What glaze should I use?
A mixture of honey and mustard or brown sugar is popular. You can also try maple syrup, orange marmalade, or cranberry glaze.
How do I know if the gammon is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, cook the gammon in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
What can I do with leftover gammon?
Use leftover gammon in sandwiches, salads, or add to pasta dishes and casseroles.
Can I use a smoked gammon joint?
Yes, both smoked and unsmoked gammon work well for this recipe. Smoked gammon will have a stronger flavor.
Can I glaze the gammon without boiling it first?
Yes, you can roast the gammon with a glaze from the beginning, but boiling it first helps to make the meat more tender.
Do I need to use cloves?
Cloves are optional, but they add a nice aromatic flavor to the gammon.