Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham Recipe

This celebratory Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham Recipe is a sticky and succulent centerpiece, which features a tender gammon joint poached in cider and aromatics, then finished with a crunchy mustard and demerara sugar crust. It’s the ultimate festive main course, perfect for serving hot or cold.

Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham Ingredients

The Gammon & Stock:

• 1 x 4-5 lb (1.8 – 2.25 kg) Gammon Joint: You can use smoked or unsmoked (green) depending on your preference. Smoked has a deeper flavor; unsmoked is milder.
• 1 Onion: Peeled and halved.
• 1 Carrot: Cut into chunks.
• 1 Bay Leaf: For aroma.
• 6-8 Black Peppercorns: To season the stock.
• 700ml Dry Cider: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the meat. (Make up the rest of the liquid with water).

The Sticky Glaze:

• Whole Cloves: For studding the fat.
• 2-3 tablespoons Demerara Sugar: The large crystals create a crunchy, caramel-like crust that doesn’t melt away instantly like brown sugar might.
• 1 tablespoon English Mustard: Provides a sharp, spicy kick that cuts through the salty fat.

How To Make Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham

1. Soak (Optional): If you are unsure if your gammon is “mild cure,” soak it in a pan of cold water for at least 6 hours or overnight to remove excess salt. Drain before cooking.
2. Simmer: Place the gammon joint in a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrot, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Pour in the cider and top up with enough water to just cover the meat. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simulate a gentle simmer.
   • Calculation: Cook for 20 minutes per lb (450g) plus 20 minutes extra.
3. Prep for Roasting: Towards the end of the simmering time, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. De-Skin: Lift the gammon out of the liquid (save the stock!) and place it in a roasting tin. While the meat is still hot (use rubber gloves if needed), carefully cut away the string and peel off the thick rind (skin), leaving a thin layer of white fat intact on the meat.
5. Score and Stud: Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern. Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond.
6. Glaze: Smear the English mustard thinly over the fat. Then, pack the surface generously with the Demerara sugar, pressing it on so it sticks to the mustard.
7. Roast: Bake in the hot oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the fat is golden brown, the sugar has caramelized into a sticky crust, and the edges are crisp.
8. Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to let the juices settle.

Recipe Tips

• Skin Removal Timing: It is absolutely crucial to remove the rind while the gammon is hot. As soon as the fat cools, the skin binds to it like glue and becomes incredibly difficult to remove neatly without gouging the fat.
• The “Stock” Bonus: Do not throw away the cooking liquid! You have essentially made a rich ham stock. It is perfect for making pea and ham soup or a base for lentil stew.
• Protecting the Meat: If you plan to serve this cold later, Delia suggests wrapping the cooked ham in foil while it cools. This traps the moisture inside, ensuring the cold slices are juicy rather than dry.
• Mustard Choice: Use English mustard (like Colman’s) for this glaze. Dijon is too mild and smooth; you want the fierce heat to balance the intense sweetness of the demerara sugar.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham

• Cumberland Sauce: A fruit-based jelly sauce that is the traditional British accompaniment to cold ham.
• Cauliflower Cheese: The creamy cheese sauce pairs beautifully with the salty gammon.
• Parsley Sauce: A classic white sauce for hot gammon.
• Piccalilli: The vinegary crunch cuts through the fat perfectly on leftovers.

How To Store Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham

• Fridge: Once cool, wrap the ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze sliced ham or the whole roasted joint for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Delia Smith Roast Glazed Gammon Ham Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 32g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated per thick slice.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Rice Salad Recipe
• Delia Smith Ragu Lasagne Recipe
• Delia Smith Ragu Bolognese Recipe