The Perfect Pairings For Ham Terrine

Ham terrine is a delicious dish that can be served as an elegant starter, a tasty lunch, or as part of a buffet or picnic. It is a great choice for a holiday appetizer or a large gathering as it can be made in advance. When it comes to what to serve with ham terrine, there are several options to consider. It is often served with bread or toast, and some recipes suggest serving it with crusty bread or toasted bread. Pickles or chutney can also be a great addition, with suggestions including caper berries, piccalilli, or cornichons. For a simple and economical starter, it can be accompanied by a salad garnish. To elevate the dish, consider pairing it with a glass of wine, such as a Gavi from Italy or an Albariño from Spain.

Bread and salad

When choosing a bread to serve with ham terrine, a crusty loaf is a good option. The crust provides a textural contrast to the softness of the terrine, and the bread itself can help to soak up any extra juices or sauces. A rustic loaf, such as a sourdough or a country-style bread, can also add a nice touch of acidity to balance the richness of the dish. If you want to be more creative, you could try making a Sicilian-style bread, which pairs well with cold meats and can be prepared in advance.

As for the salad, a simple green salad with leaves such as rocket, watercress, and red leaf lettuce can provide a refreshing contrast to the terrine. You could also add some chopped herbs, such as tarragon or parsley, to complement the flavours in the ham. If you want to make the dish more substantial, you could include some pickled vegetables in the salad, such as gherkins or caper berries. These will add a tangy, briny flavour that can help cut through the richness of the ham.

Finally, don't forget to include some condiments on the side. A good Dijon mustard is a classic pairing with ham, and some cornichons or chutney can also add a nice touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish.

Pickles and chutney

Chutneys are usually fruit-based and can be sweet or spicy. A sharp, assertive chutney pairs well with ham terrine, and a good example is a cranberry chutney. A chutney with visible chunks of mango is also a good choice, as is a spicy apricot and orange chutney.

When serving a ham terrine with pickles or chutney, it is also customary to provide some crusty bread or toast on the side.

Dijon mustard

Flavour Profile:

Texture:

The coarse texture of Dijon mustard adds a pleasing element to the smooth, creamy texture of the ham terrine. The crunch of the mustard seeds provides a satisfying contrast, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Recipe Suggestions:

When serving ham terrine, consider the following recipes that incorporate Dijon mustard:

• Glazed Ham with Dijon Mustard and Brown Sugar: This recipe involves scoring the fat on a ham joint, brushing it with Dijon mustard, and then sprinkling brown sugar on top. Baking the ham results in a juicy, tender meat with a mouth-watering glaze.
• Mustard-Studded Ham: Studding a cooked bone-in ham with cloves and then glazing it with a mixture of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar creates a delicious flavour combination. The baking process allows the glaze to caramelise, adding a depth of flavour to the ham.
• Ham Hock Terrine: While this terrine recipe features wholegrain mustard, you can easily substitute it with Dijon mustard. The mustard is mixed with shredded ham, herbs, and spices, creating a savoury blend that is then pressed into a loaf tin and chilled.

Serving Suggestions:

When serving ham terrine with Dijon mustard, consider the following suggestions:

• Offer additional mustard on the side, allowing guests to add more to taste.
• Provide a variety of crusty breads or toasted bread slices to spread the mustard and ham terrine onto.
• For a festive touch during the holidays, serve the ham terrine with a side of fig and apple chutney. The sweetness of the chutney pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the mustard.

Parsley and bay leaves

Ham terrine is a classic French dish, often served as a starter or at a buffet for a large gathering. It can be made in advance and served cold.

When making a ham terrine, parsley and bay leaves are essential ingredients. Parsley is a classic partner for ham, and the two work well together in this simple yet impressive dish. Bay leaves are also commonly added to the mix, infusing the terrine with their distinctive aroma and subtle flavour.

To make a ham terrine with parsley and bay leaves, you will need the following ingredients: ham hocks, water, celery, onion, garlic, peppercorns, juniper berries, parsley, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and of course, bay leaves. Some recipes also call for ingredients like carrots, thyme, white wine, gelatine, gherkins, and shallots.

The process begins by cooking the ham hocks with the vegetables, spices, and herbs in water. This broth is then strained, and the meat is shredded, discarding any skin, bones, and fat. The shredded ham is then combined with vinegar or lemon juice, parsley, and seasoning. This mixture is then pressed into a loaf tin or terrine mould lined with cling film. The reduced broth is poured on top, and the dish is chilled for several hours or overnight. Finally, the ham terrine is sliced and served cold, often with bread, mustard, or piccalilli.

The addition of parsley and bay leaves to the ham terrine enhances the flavour and aroma of the dish, making it a delicious and impressive starter or buffet item.

White wine

Ham terrine is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter or as part of a buffet. When it comes to wine pairings, white wines offer a range of options to complement the flavours of the ham. Here are some recommendations to consider:

Burgundy Chardonnay

This variety of white wine, produced in the Burgundy region of France, is known for its oaked flavour profile. Chardonnays from this region often exhibit a balanced combination of crisp acidity and elegant fruit flavours, making them a suitable choice to pair with a ham terrine.

French Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape variety that can produce a range of wine styles, from dry to sweet. French Chenin Blanc wines often showcase bright, crisp flavours with good acidity, making them a recommended pairing for ham terrine. The appley characteristics of this wine can particularly complement the flavours of the dish.

Riesling

Riesling is a refreshing white wine known for its crisp elegance. Its bright acidity and flavour notes ranging from apple to lime make it an excellent choice to pair with ham terrine, especially if you are serving a brightly flavoured dish such as an orange-glazed ham.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a zesty white wine that pairs exceptionally well with the sweet and salty characteristics of ham. It offers the ideal acidity to complement the dish, and its dry style and bright, zesty flavours make it a perfect match for a honey butter ham with herbal notes in the glaze.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a white wine known for its fresh, smooth, and dry taste. It often presents a zesty array of fruit flavours, from apples to citrus, with hints of honey and ginger. This wine is a good choice for a simple spiral glazed ham recipe, offering a classic example of the variety's style.

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