South African cuisine is widely known for its delicious and diverse flavors. One of the most popular dishes in South Africa is gammon, which is a cured and smoked ham typically served during celebrations and holidays. If you're looking to try this traditional South African dish, or simply looking to improve your cooking skills, then continue reading for a step-by-step guide on how to cook gammon South Africa style.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg gammon
- 2 onions, peeled and sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard
Method
- Place the gammon in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, cloves, and peppercorns. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is cooked through.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- Remove the gammon from the pot and place it in a roasting tin.
- Mix the brown sugar, honey, and whole grain mustard in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture over the top of the gammon, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the glaze is golden brown and sticky.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
If you want to give your gammon an extra kick of flavor, you can add some spices to the pot when boiling the meat. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice work really well with gammon.
When glazing the gammon, be sure to use a brush to evenly spread the mixture over the meat. You can also score the skin before glazing to create a decorative pattern and ensure the flavor penetrates the meat.
In conclusion
Gammon is a delicious and traditional South African dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following this simple recipe, you can easily cook gammon South Africa style and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Remember to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique flavor combinations.
