Ham with Blueberry Sauce

Ham with Blueberry Sauce Recipe - A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ham with blueberry sauce is a delicious and unique dish that combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet and tangy taste of blueberries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal, as it is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

History

The combination of ham and fruit sauces has been a popular culinary tradition for centuries. In this recipe, the addition of blueberries adds a modern twist to a classic dish, creating a perfect balance of flavors that is both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

1 center slice of ham, cut 1 inch thick (2 lb (907 g))
0.33 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
0.33 cup low-sugar apricot jam
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp dry red wine
4 tsp lemon juice
1 cup blueberries

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Trim the fat from the edge of the ham slice, if necessary.
Place the ham slice on a rack in a shallow baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch or arrowroot powder and water.
Stir in the apricot jam, brown sugar, wine, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
Stir in the blueberries and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over the ham and serve.

Variations

For a twist on this recipe, try using different fruits such as raspberries or blackberries in place of the blueberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim any excess fat from the ham slice before baking to ensure a lean and tender final product.

- Cooking the blueberry sauce over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a thick and luscious sauce.

- Spooning the warm blueberry sauce over the ham just before serving ensures that the dish is served at its peak flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ham with blueberry sauce alongside roasted vegetables and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the ham slice in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture, while cooking the sauce on the stovetop allows the flavors to develop fully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have arrowroot powder, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the blueberry sauce ahead of time and reheat it just before serving for a stress-free meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and fruity red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

6g per serving

Proteins

32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the labels of your ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

This dish is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham with blueberry sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. With its bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It all started on a summer day many years ago, when I was visiting my dear friend Mabel in her cozy little cottage by the countryside. Mabel was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On this particular day, Mabel had a surprise for me. She had been experimenting with a new recipe that she had come across in an old cookbook, and she wanted me to be her taste tester. As she placed a steaming platter of ham with blueberry sauce in front of me, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the unusual combination of flavors.

The ham was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, with a hint of smokiness that paired beautifully with the sweet and tangy blueberry sauce. The sauce itself was a vibrant shade of purple, dotted with whole blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite. It was a revelation, a perfect balance of savory and sweet that danced on my taste buds.

Mabel watched me with a knowing smile as I savored each mouthful, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

I couldn't contain my excitement. "It's absolutely delicious, Mabel! I've never tasted anything quite like it before."

Mabel beamed with pride. "I'm so glad you like it! It's a recipe I stumbled upon in an old cookbook from my grandmother's collection. It's a bit unconventional, but I think it's a real winner."

And a winner it was indeed. From that moment on, I was hooked on the ham with blueberry sauce. I begged Mabel for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with her tips and tricks for making it just right.

Over the years, I have made the ham with blueberry sauce countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, always to rave reviews. It has become a signature dish of mine, a beloved favorite that never fails to impress.

But the true joy of this recipe lies not just in its delicious flavors, but in the memories it evokes. Every time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny day in Mabel's kitchen, where a simple meal became a culinary revelation. I can still hear the laughter and chatter, the clinking of dishes and the sizzle of the ham in the pan. I can still taste the sweet and savory perfection of that first bite, a flavor so unique and unforgettable.

As I sit here now, flipping through the pages of my old recipe book, I can't help but smile. The ham with blueberry sauce may have started as a mere experiment, but it has since become a cherished tradition, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, I will continue to make this dish, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the story of how it all began. For in every bite of ham with blueberry sauce, there is a taste of history, a taste of friendship, and a taste of love.