Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy Recipe from England

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of tender ham, crispy cracklings, and flavorful pan gravy is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

History

This recipe for Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy has its roots in traditional English cooking. Ham has long been a popular meat in England, and the addition of cracklings and pan gravy adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

an 8- to 10 lb (4.54 kg) fresh ham (shank and leg of pork)
vegetable oil for rubbing the ham
1 tbsp coarse salt
0.5 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
0.5 tsp crumbled dried sage
0.5 tsp pepper
1 tsp English-style dry mustard
12 oz (340 g) beer (not dark)
watercress sprigs for garnish

Gravy

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
0.5 tsp English-style mustard
0.25 tsp crumbled dried sage
0.13 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
0.25 tsp sugar
2 tsp cider vinegar

How to prepare

Using a small sharp knife, prick the skin of the ham all over. Make 4 parallel incisions, each 0.5 inches deep, along the entire length of the ham. Lightly rub the ham with oil.
In a small bowl, combine coarse salt, thyme, sage, pepper, and mustard. Rub the mixture over the entire surface of the ham.
Place the ham on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C).
Immediately reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and roast the ham for 1 hour.
Pour half of the beer over the ham. Roast for an additional 30 minutes and then pour the remaining beer over the ham.
Continue roasting the ham for 2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 170°F. Let the ham cool on the rack in the pan for 15 minutes.
Remove the brown crisp skin from the ham, leaving the layer of fat intact. Cut the skin into small pieces using scissors and arrange the cracklings in a single layer in a baking pan.
Sprinkle the cracklings with salt and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes, or until they are crisp and browned. Stir occasionally.
Transfer the cracklings to paper towels and let them drain.
Trim the remaining fat from the ham and thinly slice the meat across the grain. Arrange the slices on a platter and keep the ham warm by covering it.
Skim off the fat from the juices in the roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water and deglaze the pan over moderate heat, scraping up the brown bits.
Transfer the liquid to a saucepan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 0.25 cup of broth until the flour is dissolved. Whisk the mixture into the deglazing liquid along with the remaining 0.75 cup of broth, mustard, sage, thyme, vinegar, and pepper to taste. Simmer the gravy, whisking, for 5 minutes.
Garnish the ham with the cracklings and watercress sprigs. Serve it with the gravy.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try using different herbs and spices in the rub for the ham.
Add a splash of apple cider or honey to the pan gravy for a touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different types of beer for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to prick the skin of the ham all over before roasting to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Roast the ham at a high temperature initially to help crisp up the skin, then lower the temperature for a slow and even cooking process.

- Save the fat trimmings from the ham to make the cracklings - they add a delicious crunch and flavor to the dish.

- Deglaze the roasting pan with water to capture all the flavorful brown bits and create a rich and tasty gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Serve it with a side of cranberry sauce or mustard for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy is to roast the ham slowly and at a low temperature to ensure that it stays tender and juicy. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the ham to prevent overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have English-style dry mustard, you can use regular mustard as a substitute. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth in place of beef broth in the gravy.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ham and cracklings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced ham on a platter and garnish with the crispy cracklings and fresh watercress sprigs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling apple cider or ginger beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover ham, cracklings, and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the ham and cracklings in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, and reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and wheat (from the flour used in the gravy), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy is a protein-rich dish that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. With its tender ham, crispy cracklings, and flavorful pan gravy, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage nestled in the English countryside. Margaret was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to sampling her delicious creations.

On this particular day, Margaret had decided to prepare a special dish for lunch using a fresh ham that she had purchased from a local butcher. As she bustled about the kitchen, preparing the ingredients and setting the table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. I had never tried this particular recipe before, and the thought of savoring the flavors of tender ham, crispy cracklings, and rich pan gravy made my mouth water.

As Margaret worked her magic in the kitchen, I watched closely, taking mental notes of each step in the recipe. She began by rubbing the ham with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, then placing it in the oven to roast slowly until it was perfectly tender and juicy. The scent of roasting meat filled the cottage, mingling with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices, creating a tantalizing symphony of flavors that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Once the ham was cooked to perfection, Margaret removed it from the oven and set it aside to rest while she prepared the cracklings. She sliced the crispy skin into thin strips and fried them in a hot skillet until they were golden and crunchy, then sprinkled them over the succulent slices of ham. The cracklings added a delicious crunch to the dish, contrasting beautifully with the tender meat and savory gravy.

Finally, Margaret turned her attention to the pan gravy, using the drippings from the roasting pan to create a rich and velvety sauce that would complement the ham perfectly. She added a splash of wine, a sprinkle of herbs, and a touch of cream, stirring and whisking until the gravy was smooth and fragrant. The aroma of the gravy filled the kitchen, mingling with the scents of roasting meat and cracklings, creating a mouth-watering symphony of flavors that made my head spin with delight.

As Margaret plated the ham and spooned the rich pan gravy over the top, I could hardly contain my excitement. The dish looked absolutely divine, with the golden ham glistening in the light and the cracklings adding a touch of crunch and texture. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the flavors of this delicious creation that Margaret had so skillfully prepared.

As I took my first bite of the Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy, I was transported to culinary heaven. The ham was tender and juicy, with a rich and savory flavor that melted in my mouth. The cracklings added a delightful crunch and contrast, while the pan gravy tied everything together with its velvety texture and fragrant herbs.

I savored each bite, enjoying the interplay of flavors and textures that made this dish truly special. Margaret smiled as she watched me eat, knowing that she had created something truly magical in her humble kitchen. And as I finished my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this delicious recipe from my dear friend and to savor the fruits of her culinary talents.

To this day, whenever I prepare Fresh English Ham with Cracklings and Pan Gravy, I think back to that memorable day in Margaret's cottage and the excitement that washed over me as I first saw the recipe. And I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that she passed on to me, allowing me to create delicious dishes that bring joy and comfort to those I love.