Emilie Meyer
Ham and cheese is a classic comfort food for many, but it can be made healthier without sacrificing taste. One way to do this is to cook the ham in a clay pot, which is easy and requires minimal preparation and clean-up. This method is suitable for special occasions and holidays, such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and can be customised with various ingredients to suit individual tastes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1-2 hours |
| Clay Pot Type | Large |
| Ham Type | Cured bone-in picnic ham |
| Ham Weight | 4-6 pounds |
| Additional Ingredients | Cloves, mustard, brown sugar, marmalade, salt, sherry, prunes, new potatoes, carrots, red wine, coconut sugar, broth |
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Presoak the clay pot
Presoaking the clay pot is an important step in preparing your ham dish. It ensures the pot is ready for cooking and helps to prevent any cracking or damage during the cooking process. Here is a step-by-step guide to presoaking your clay pot:
Start by filling a basin or large container with clean water. You will need enough water to completely submerge the clay pot and its lid. If your clay pot is particularly large, you may need to use your bathtub or a similar-sized container. Ensure you have a sturdy surface to place the water-filled container on to avoid any spills or accidents.
Completely submerge the clay pot and its lid in the water. Allow the pot to soak for at least 15 minutes. This helps the clay absorb some moisture, reducing the risk of it drying out and cracking during cooking. The pot will also absorb some of the water, which will then create steam during the cooking process, helping to cook your ham evenly and keeping it moist and tender.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the clay pot and lid from the water. Gently shake off any excess water and place the pot and lid on a dry surface. You can use a towel to pat down any remaining water droplets on the surface, but avoid wiping the pot completely dry as you want the surface to be damp.
Now that your clay pot is presoaked, you can proceed with preparing your ham and any other ingredients you wish to include. Remember to handle the damp pot with care and place it on a secure surface before adding any ingredients to avoid any accidents.
Presoaking your clay pot is a simple but crucial step in preparing your ham dish, ensuring both the pot and the ham are ready for the cooking process.
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Prepare the glaze
To prepare the glaze for your ham in a clay pot, you will need a few simple ingredients. Firstly, you should presoak the clay pot in water for around 15 minutes. While the pot is soaking, prepare the glaze mixture by combining mustard, brown sugar or coconut sugar, marmalade, salt, and sherry. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to your taste preferences. The glaze should be thick and sticky, so adjust the consistency with more sugar or marmalade if needed.
Once you have a sticky glaze, you can stud the surface of the ham with cloves by gently pressing them into the meat. You can be generous with the number of cloves as they will infuse a wonderful aroma and subtle spice into the ham as it cooks. After studding the ham, place it inside the presoaked clay pot.
Now, you can coat the ham with your prepared glaze. Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into any crevices for maximum flavour. If you have time, let the glazed ham sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
Finally, when you are ready to cook, add your choice of vegetables to the pot. New potatoes, carrots, and prunes pair well with the glazed ham. You can also add a splash of red wine to the pot for extra flavour and moisture.
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Add vegetables
When it comes to adding vegetables to your ham dish, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is essential to choose vegetables that complement the flavour of the ham and can withstand the cooking time in the clay pot. Here are some suggestions for vegetables that will enhance your dish:
- Potatoes: New potatoes, in particular, are a great option as they have a delicate flavour and texture that pairs well with ham. You can add them whole or cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Carrots: Carrots add a sweet and earthy flavour to the dish. They also provide a colourful contrast to the ham and potatoes. Cut them into chunks or slices, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Onions: Onions are a versatile vegetable that can add depth of flavour to your dish. Consider using sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, for a milder taste, or yellow or red onions for a more robust flavour. Chop them into wedges or slices.
- Celery: Celery is often used as a flavour base for soups and stews, and it can also be a great addition to your ham dish. It has a subtle savoury flavour and a crisp texture. Cut the celery stalks into pieces or slices.
- Peppers: Bell peppers, either green, red, yellow, or orange, can bring a touch of sweetness and colour to your dish. Remove the seeds and chop them into strips or chunks.
When adding the vegetables to the clay pot, consider the following:
- Timing: Add the vegetables at the right time during the cooking process. For slower-cooking vegetables like potatoes and carrots, place them in the pot at the beginning so they have enough time to cook through. For quicker-cooking vegetables like peppers, you can add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
- Layering: Create a bed of vegetables at the bottom of the clay pot to act as a base for the ham. This will not only add flavour but also prevent the ham from sticking to the pot. You can also layer vegetables on top of the ham or around it to ensure even cooking.
- Amount: Adjust the amount of vegetables according to your preference and the size of your clay pot. Ensure there is enough space in the pot for the ham and vegetables to cook comfortably without overcrowding.
- Flavour combinations: Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favourite flavour pairings with ham. You can also consider adding herbs and spices to enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
Remember, when adding vegetables to your ham dish in a clay pot, the key is to choose complementary vegetables, cut them into appropriate sizes, and add them at the right time to ensure perfect cooking. Enjoy crafting your delicious and nutritious one-pot meal!
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Cooking time
The cooking time for ham in a clay pot depends on the weight of the ham and the number of ingredients used in the recipe. A four-to-six-pound ham, for example, can be cooked in a clay pot in about one to two hours. Before cooking, the clay pot should be presoaked in water for about 15 minutes.
For a slow-cooked ham in a clay pot, start by spreading 1 1/2 cups of coconut sugar in the pot. Then, place a four-to-six-pound cured bone-in picnic ham flat side down into the clay pot. Use your hands to rub the remaining coconut sugar into the ham. You can also stick cloves into the surface of the ham before placing it in the pot.
Cover the clay pot and cook the ham on a low heat setting for 1-2 hours. The ham is ready to serve when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This slow-cooking method ensures that the ham remains moist and tender while absorbing the flavours of the other ingredients.
If you're short on time, you can also cook a delicious ham in a clay pot in just 30 minutes. Simply combine mustard, brown sugar, marmalade, salt, and sherry, and coat the surface of the ham with this mixture. Place the ham in the clay pot and surround it with prunes, new potatoes, carrots, and red wine. Cook for 30 minutes in a hot oven, and your ham will be ready to serve!
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Serving suggestions
Ham cooked in a clay pot goes well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with potatoes, vegetables, cornbread, or even stuffing. For a heartier meal, consider making a clay pot ham and cheese casserole. This can be adapted to be comforting without being too unhealthy by reducing or eliminating processed or carb-heavy ingredients.
When it comes to the ham itself, there are several ways to prepare it. You can rub the ham with coconut sugar or brown sugar, creating a delicious glaze. You can also add maple syrup and pineapple juice for extra flavour. For a festive touch, decorate the serving platter with fresh herbs.
If you're serving a large group, a clay pot is a great option as it can cook a sizeable ham, such as a 4-6 pound cured bone-in picnic ham. This will yield approximately 24 servings.
Leftovers are another benefit of cooking ham in a clay pot. You can easily reheat and enjoy the ham the next day, or use it in a variety of leftover ham recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Presoak a large clay pot, top and bottom, in water for 15 minutes.
You can use a simple recipe of cured bone-in picnic ham, coconut sugar, and broth or water. You can also add cloves, mustard, brown sugar, marmalade, salt, sherry, prunes, new potatoes, and carrots.
First, stick the cloves into the surface of the ham and place it in the presoaked pot. Combine the mustard, brown sugar, marmalade, salt, and sherry, and coat the ham with this mixture. Place the prunes, new potatoes, and carrots around the ham, then add the broth or water. Cover and cook for 1-2 hours.
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
