Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce

Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce Recipe - Delicious Cuban Cuisine

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce is a festive and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of ham with the zesty, garlicky punch of Mojo Sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you want to treat your family and friends to a delicious and impressive meal. The combination of spices, mustard, and brown sugar creates a beautiful glaze on the ham, while the Mojo Sauce adds an unforgettable kick. Whether you're an experienced cook or trying your hand at baking ham for the first time, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table.

History

The tradition of baking ham dates back centuries and is found in various cultures around the world, each adding its unique twist to the preparation and flavors. The Mojo Sauce, with its roots in Cuban cuisine, is a relatively recent but incredibly popular addition to the baked ham recipe. This sauce, made from garlic, citrus juice, and a variety of spices, brings a vibrant Caribbean flair to the dish. The fusion of the succulent ham with the tangy and aromatic Mojo Sauce represents a culinary melding of cultures, showcasing how food can bring diverse traditions together on a single plate.

Ingredients

4 cups of Mojo Sauce
1 bone-in ready-to-eat ham (about 14 to 16 lb)
about 16 whole cloves
2 to 4 tbsp of dijon mustard
0.25 cup (packed) of brown sugar
1.5 cups of dry white wine
papaya salsa for serving

How to prepare

Prepare the Mojo Sauce in advance.
Set aside 2 cups of the sauce for serving.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan and score a diamond pattern about 0.13 inch thick into the upper surface of the ham.
Insert a clove at the crossed points of the diamonds.
Brush the ham with mustard and sprinkle it with brown sugar.
Pour 1 cup of the Mojo Sauce over the top.
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 2 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest portion (not touching bone) registers 140°F (60°C) (about 15 – 18 minutes per pound), basting every 20 – 30 minutes, alternating with 0.25 cup each of white wine and the remaining Mojo Sauce.
Transfer the ham to a platter.
Let it stand for 15 minutes, then slice and serve with the reserved 2 cups of Mojo Sauce and Papaya Salsa.

Variations

Consider adding pineapple rings or maraschino cherries to the ham during the last hour of baking for a sweet and tangy twist. Alternatively, experiment with different types of mustard in the glaze for varied flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce turns out perfectly, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Score the ham deeply enough to allow the flavors to penetrate but not so deep that the meat dries out.

- Inserting cloves at the intersections of the scored lines adds a subtle spice that complements the Mojo Sauce.

- Basting the ham regularly while it bakes keeps it moist and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

- Letting the ham rest before slicing ensures that the juices redistribute, making the meat moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a light grain dish like quinoa or rice to balance the flavors. For a festive occasion, complement the meal with a sweet dessert and your favorite wine.

Cooking Techniques

For an even more succulent ham, consider using a roasting bag to lock in moisture. Additionally, utilizing a meat thermometer will ensure the ham is perfectly cooked without being overdone.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Mojo Sauce is not available, a marinade made from orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices can be used as a substitute. Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

The Mojo Sauce can be prepared several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The ham can also be scored and cloves inserted a day ahead to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the platter with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation that complements the flavors of the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, citrusy white wine or a fruity red wine pairs beautifully with the savory ham and tangy Mojo Sauce. For non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warmed through, or gently heat slices in a skillet.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a hearty and fulfilling option that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the brown sugar used in the glaze and the natural sugars present in the Mojo Sauce. A serving of this dish contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a relatively low-carb option, especially when served with low-carb sides.

Fats

The majority of the fat in this dish comes from the ham itself, which contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. The overall fat content per serving will vary depending on the cut of the ham but expect approximately 20-25 grams of fat per serving. The Mojo Sauce and glaze add minimal additional fat.

Proteins

Ham is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A single serving of Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce can provide about 35-40 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building component of your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, particularly those found in the ham, such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, niacin, and phosphorus. The Mojo Sauce also contributes vitamin C and iron, thanks to the citrus juice and garlic.

Alergens

This recipe is free from most common allergens, including nuts, soy, and gluten. However, those with sensitivities to mustard or specific spices used in the Mojo Sauce should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce is a nutritious and balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful option that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the savory richness of ham with the vibrant flavors of Cuban-inspired Mojo Sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a family dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. With tips for preparation and serving, along with variations and storage advice, this dish is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Maria was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills, and she had graciously offered to teach me how to make one of her most prized recipes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices, Maria pulled out a weathered old recipe card from her collection. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who hailed from the beautiful island of Cuba.

With a twinkle in her eye, Maria began to recount the story of how her great-grandmother had learned to make the dish from a mysterious traveler who had wandered into her village one fateful day. The traveler, who went by the name of Don Rafael, was a master chef from Havana who had a reputation for creating dishes that were out of this world.

Don Rafael had spent weeks in the village, teaching the villagers his secret recipes and sharing his culinary wisdom. Maria's great-grandmother had been one of his most eager students, soaking up every bit of knowledge he imparted.

One day, Don Rafael had presented the villagers with a feast fit for royalty, featuring his signature Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the succulent ham marinated in a tangy and zesty mojo sauce that left everyone speechless.

Maria's great-grandmother had been so enchanted by the dish that she had begged Don Rafael to teach her how to make it. And so, he had spent countless hours in her humble kitchen, guiding her through the intricate steps of preparing the ham and the mojo sauce.

As Maria relayed this tale to me, I could feel the magic of the recipe coming to life. The history and tradition behind it added a depth and richness that I had never experienced before. I knew that I was about to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other.

With Maria's patient guidance, I began to follow the recipe card step by step. I carefully seasoned the ham with a blend of spices that Don Rafael himself had brought back from his travels to the Caribbean. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the ham baked was nothing short of intoxicating.

Meanwhile, I prepared the mojo sauce, combining fresh garlic, citrus juices, and a hint of cumin to create a sauce that was at once bright, tangy, and savory. The flavors mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of taste that danced on my tongue.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the ham was ready, I eagerly pulled it from the oven. The meat was perfectly tender and juicy, with a golden-brown crust that glistened in the light. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I sliced into the ham and drizzled it with the luscious mojo sauce, I closed my eyes and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me to a place of sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees. I could taste the love and care that had gone into creating this dish, a testament to the generations of cooks who had passed it down through the ages.

From that moment on, Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted to treat myself to something truly special.

And every time I cooked it, I would think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I had learned the magic of this recipe. I would remember the stories of Don Rafael and Maria's great-grandmother, and I would feel a connection to a culinary tradition that spanned generations.

In the end, I realized that cooking is not just about following a recipe or mastering a technique. It's about connecting with the past, honoring those who came before us, and creating something that nourishes not just the body, but the soul.

And so, as I sit here now, savoring a slice of Baked Ham with Mojo Sauce, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made along the way. Cooking is a journey, a story waiting to be told, and I am blessed to be a part of it.