**Country Ham: A Southern Delicacy with a Rich History**
Country ham, a delectable cured meat steeped in Southern tradition, is renowned for its distinctive smoky flavor and tender texture. Originating from the rural regions of the American South, this culinary gem has been passed down through generations, embodying the region's rich heritage and culinary artistry. Our comprehensive guide delves into the world of country ham, showcasing a diverse collection of recipes that capture its versatility and timeless appeal. From classic preparations like Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy to contemporary twists like Country Ham and Sweet Potato Hash, our carefully curated selection caters to every palate and occasion. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this culinary journey will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to create unforgettable dishes that celebrate the unique flavors of country ham.
COUNTRY HAM
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories main-dish
Time P2DT4h30m
Yield 20 portions
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Unwrap ham and scrub off any surface mold (if you hung in a sack for 6 months you'd have mold too). Carefully remove hock with hand saw. (If this idea makes you eye your first aid kit, ask your butcher to do it. But make sure you keep the hock, it's the best friend collard greens ever had.)
- Place ham in cooler and cover with clean water. (As long as it's not too dirty you can use what southerners call the "hose pipe"). Stash the cooler in the bushes. If it's summer, throw in some ice. If it's freezing out, keep the cooler inside. Change the water twice a day for two days turning the ham each time.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place ham in a large disposable turkey-roasting pan and add enough Dr. Pepper to come about halfway up the side of the ham. Add pickle juice if you've got it and tent completely with heavy-duty foil. Cook for 1/2 hour then reduce heat to 325 degrees F, and cook another 1 1/2 hours.
- Turn the ham over, insert an oven safe thermometer (probe-style is best) and cook another 1 1/2 hours, or until the deepest part of the ham hits 140 degrees F (approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound total).
- Let rest 1/2 hour then slice paper-thin. Serve with biscuits or soft yeast rolls.
- Cooks note: Even after soaking, country ham is quite salty, so thin slicing is mandatory. If you're a bacon fan, however, cut a thicker (1/4-inch) slice and fry it up for breakfast.
COUNTRY HAM
Peach preserves give this easy entree a mildly fruity flair.
Provided by Kristen Ostlund
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pork Ham Whole
Time 2h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.
- Set ham into the prepared roasting pan and pierce several times with a fork.
- Stir brown sugar, peach preserves, and mustard together in a bowl; spread over the ham. Cover the ham with a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Roast ham in preheated oven, basting regularly, for 90 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil cover and continue baking until hot in the center, 30 to 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 526.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 95.3 mg, Fat 31.7 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 31.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.3 g, Sodium 2235.5 mg, Sugar 26.4 g
COUNTRY HAM SANDWICHES
"This yummy sandwich is perfect for lunches or a quick weeknight dinner when there's no time for a big meal," says Jennifer Parham from Browns Summit, North Carolina. Smoked cheddar and a creamy garlic-infused spread lend special appeal to this easy hand-held. -Jennifer Parham, Browns Summit, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 5m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream and garlic powder. Spread over two slices of bread. Layer each with cheese, tomato, ham and lettuce. Top with remaining bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 538 calories, Fat 30g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 1323mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
COUNTRY GREEN BEANS AND HAM
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, with a lid, over medium heat, add the oil. Season the ham with black pepper. Add the ham and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the reserved ham and beans back to the pan. Cover the beans completely with water. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, partially cover and cook for 2 hours. Remove from the heat and reseason if necessary
HOW TO COOK A COUNTRY HAM
For those of you that don't know, a country ham is cured with salt. it needs no refrigeration until after all the cooking is done, but you have to cook it a certain way or the whole ham will be ruined. It takes a little time, but it's sure worth it. There is nothing like a country ham. I like to slice it and eat it on biscuits. PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS TO THE TEE--THE SALT MUST BE EXTRATED FROM THE MEAT OR IT WILL TASTE HORRIBLE.
Provided by southern chef in lo
Categories Ham
Time P2DT5h
Yield 25 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Scrub ham thoroughly with a stiff brush.
- Place ham in large pot or pan--even a cooler will work. Cover it completely with water and allow to soak for 24 hours, (discard water).
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Put ham in large roaster fat side up and again cover completely with water. place in oven on lowest shelf and bake for 2 hours. Turn ham to other side and cook another 2 hours. It takes 4 to 41/2 hours in all or 15 to 18 minutes per pound for a good tender ham.
- Remove ham from oven, but leave in water overnight (do NOT refrigerate).
- The next day preheat oven to 425°F.
- Remove and discard ham skin. Sprinkle fat with ground cloves.
- Combine sugar with enough vinegar to make a paste and brush on ham. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes; let rest for 1 hour out of the oven, then slice and serve.
HEARTY COUNTRY HAM AND CABBAGE SOUP
This is a quick and easy comfort food, a meal in a bowl, that is ideal for cold winter evenings.
Provided by pjspring
Time 1h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Add onion and fry until soft, about 5 minutes. Add country ham and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add chicken stock and potatoes; make sure potatoes are completely covered by the stock. Throw in thyme sprigs and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. Add cabbage and mix well; the liquid no longer needs to cover the cabbage-potato mix. Bring back to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer until the thickest parts of the cabbage are softened, 5 to 10 more minutes. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl and add slowly to the soup. Mix well and cook until soup is about the consistency of heavy cream or desired thickness; it should not be too thick. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Cholesterol 40.4 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 12.1 g, Protein 24.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 2265.4 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
COUNTRY HAM WITH REDEYE GRAVY
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories Coffee Kid-Friendly Quick & Easy Ham Small Plates
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high. Cook ham, adding 1/2 Tbsp. butter if ham is lean to help the browning process, until browned and fat has rendered, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer ham to a platter.
- Pour coffee into the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, scraping skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze and loosen any browned bits. Add broth and sugar; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced to about 1/4 cup, 3-4 minutes. Add 1 Tbsp. butter and whisk until emulsified, about 1 minute more. Pour gravy into a small bowl or serving vessel and serve drizzled over or alongside ham.
COUNTRY HAM BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Provided by Nancy Fuller
Categories main-dish
Time 2h30m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Butter a large baking dish and evenly spread out the torn bread to cover the bottom of the dish.
- In a large bowl, beat to combine the heavy cream, cheese, ham, milk, scallions, salt, pepper and eggs. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and top with the paprika. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Uncover the dish and bake until puffed, golden and cooked through, about 45 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, sprinkle with the chives and serve.
COUNTRY HAM BISCUITS AND SCALLION-PIMENTO CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Time 40m
Yield 16 biscuits
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat.
- For the scallion-pimento cheese: Stir together the cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise and scallions in a large bowl. Set aside, or if making ahead, place in the fridge until ready to use.
- For the country ham biscuits: Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry blender or 2 table knives, cut the cold butter cubes into the flour until it resembles coarse meal. Use a fork to stir in the buttermilk to make a soft dough that comes together and leaves the sides of the bowl (make sure all the flour is worked in). Stir in the ham. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead 3 or 4 times until smooth and manageable.
- With your hands or a floured rolling pin, flatten the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut the dough out with a 2-inch floured biscuit cutter.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in it. Place the biscuits in the skillet. Bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes.
- To serve: Split the biscuits and serve with a generous spread of pimento cheese.
SCALLOPED POTATOES AND COUNTRY HAM
Provided by Damaris Phillips
Categories main-dish
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch flameproof baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and saute until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and stir until combined. Cook 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, the cayenne and mustard powder. Whisk in the milk. Allow to cook and thicken slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Line the baking dish with a crisscrossed layer of country ham, then a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes, then about 2/3 cup sauce. Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used. You should have a total of 3 sets of layers, ending with the sauce on top. Top with the Gruyere and cover with foil. Bake until the potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and spoon off any fat that has pooled in the baking dish, if needed. Switch the oven to broil and broil until light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions before serving.
COUNTRY HAM ON BISCUITS
Make and share this Country Ham on Biscuits recipe from Food.com.
Provided by JackieOhNo
Categories Breads
Time 27m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450 degrees.
- Make buttermilk biscuits: mix flours, baking powder and soda, salt, and pepper in mixing bowl. Cut 6 T. butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles fine meal. Melt remaining 4 T. butter and set aside. Make well in flour mixture, pour in buttermilk, and gradually work flour into buttermilk using fork.
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Roll or pat evenly 1/2-inch thick. Using 2-1/2" biscuit cutter or rim of glass, cut out 12 biscuits. Brush both sides with melted butter and place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake until golden, 10-12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet at least 5 minutes before splitting.
- Split warm biscuits in half. Spread bottom half with mustard and top with butter. Place 2 slices ham on each bottom half and cover with top. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.1, Fat 28.4, SaturatedFat 17.4, Cholesterol 72.8, Sodium 695.7, Carbohydrate 33, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 2.2, Protein 6.9
STEWED BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH COUNTRY HAM
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 9h5m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and country ham. Add the black-eyed peas, chicken stock, and 1 cup cold water. Bring the liquid up to a boil, partially cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the peas for about 25 minutes, uncover and cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Season the peas with salt and pepper as needed.
COUNTRY HAM AND POTATOES
Browned potatoes give simple ham a tasty touch. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner is done. -Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large heavy skillet, brown ham over medium-high heat in butter on both sides until heated through. Move ham to 1 side of the skillet; brown potatoes in drippings until tender. Sprinkle potatoes with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 1337mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
COUNTRY HAM BISCUITS
GREAT BREAKFAST or lunch item! These biscuits may be considered "a southern thing", but they sure are popular! I have carried a plate full to a home where relatives were gathering for a funeral and they got smacked up real quick. I would carry them plain without the dijon mustard because of people's preferences. Great for a man's lunchbox. Very filling and satisfying flavor!
Provided by Seasoned Cook
Categories Breakfast
Time 20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bake biscuits in a 400 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut ham into pieces to fit size of biscuits.
- Place ham pieces in a skillet and boil in a small amount of water for one minute to allow salt to escape. Pour off water to drain.
- Split biscuit and insert ham pieces.
- Dijon mustard may be spread inside of biscuits - optional feature.
- Enjoy!
GEORGIA COUNTRY HAM AND REDEYE GRAVY
As a child, I remember my grandparents having a smokehouse. In the dead of winter, when it was well below freezing, a hog would be slaughtered and no part of it wasted. The fresh hams were then covered in a dry salt mixture, wrapped, and hung up for several months to cure. To cook, they were sliced and pan fried, sometimes with a tiny bit of lard, in a hot, black iron skillet. Hot, usually breakfast, coffee was poured into the skillet to deglaze it, making red eye gravy. Redeye Gravy gets its name from the appearance of the gravy after the coffee sinks to the bottom. Serve over biscuits or grits.
Provided by Skunkee
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Gravy Recipes Pork Gravy
Time 16m
Yield 1
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add ham; cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove ham from skillet, reserving fat. Pour coffee into the pan, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil. Serve gravy over the ham.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.4 calories, Cholesterol 73.7 mg, Fat 24.2 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 520.1 mg
SMOKED HAM WITH SWEET COUNTRY MUSTARD SAUCE
On the buffet table, put the ham and mustard sauce next to the Caraway-Dill Biscuits so that your guests can make their own little sandwiches. Prepare the sauce one day ahead.
Categories Sauce Mustard Brunch No-Cook Christmas Easter Thanksgiving Buffet Vinegar Ham Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 24 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Whisk sugar and vinegar in medium bowl until sugar dissolves. Whisk in mustards. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate sauce 1 day. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.) Serve ham with sauce.
COUNTRY HAM CARBONARA
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to caramelize, about 20 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, about 8 minutes.
- Add the ham to the pan with the onions and garlic and cook until just warmed through, about 2 minutes. Whisk together the Parmesan, cream, eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and some pepper in a bowl.
- Drain the pasta and transfer to the saucepan with the onion mixture and toss well. Immediately stir in the egg and cheese mixture until well combined. Serve immediately.
- Adjust the oven racks to accommodate a large covered roasting pan. Fit the pan with a shallow rack. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Unwrap the ham and rinse it in cold water. Place it on the rack in the roasting pan. Cover the pan with the lid and bake for half the estimated cooking time (total cooking time is about 20 minutes per pound, so 6 hours to 6 hours 40 minutes total).
- Halfway through the estimated cooking time, add the sugar and honey to a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture over the ham and continue baking the ham, basting occasionally with the drippings in the roaster. Check for doneness at the end of the estimated cooking time by inserting a meat thermometer at a meaty point (not into fat or touching the bone). It should register 160 degrees F.
COUNTRY HAM STEW
I've come to discover that everyone enjoys this chunky stew, especially during the winter months. Whenever I offer it to family and friends. I'm asked to share the recipe as well.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir gravy and water until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Nutrition Facts :
QUICHE WITH COUNTRY HAM
Provided by Damaris Phillips
Categories main-dish
Time 1h50m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ham and saute until just starting to brown.
- Place the potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with vegetable oil. Cook over low heat until the oil just starts to bubble and the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the potatoes and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Meanwhile, line a 9-inch pie pan with the prepared pie crust and pierce with a fork. Cover with parchment and fill with the dried beans. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let cool, then carefully remove and discard the paper and beans.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper. Layer the empty pie shell with the potatoes, ham, and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the filling. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and the green onions over the top. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven until the center just sets and the top is golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
COUNTRY SCALLOPED POTATOES & HAM (CROCK POT)
Yummy, Fast, and great for those busy days when you have no idea when you'll have time for dinner. From Fix it and Forget it.
Provided by CookbookCarrie
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 6h20m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine potatoes, onion,& ham in a lightly sprayed slow cooker.
- Combine gravy mix, mushroom soup, and water.
- Whisk until combined.
- Pour over potatoes.
- Cover.
- Cook on low 7-9 hours, or High 3-4 hours.
- Top with shredded cheese during last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips:
- Choose the right ham: Look for a country ham that is at least 1 year old and has a deep red color. The ham should also be firm to the touch and have a slightly salty aroma.
- Soak the ham: Before cooking, soak the ham in cold water for 12-24 hours. This will help to remove some of the salt and make the ham more tender.
- Cook the ham slowly: Country hams are best cooked slowly over low heat. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out and becoming tough.
- Use a roasting pan with a lid: This will help to keep the ham moist during cooking.
- Baste the ham regularly: Basting the ham with its own juices or a mixture of water and brown sugar will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Allow the ham to rest before carving: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will help to redistribute the juices and make the ham easier to carve.
Conclusion:
Country ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are serving it for a special occasion or a casual meal, following these tips will help you to cook a perfect country ham every time.
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