Embark on a culinary journey to savor the irresistible flavors of country ham, a time-honored Southern delicacy. Discover the art of preparing this succulent meat, from selecting the perfect ham to mastering the cooking techniques that bring out its rich, smoky essence. Explore a diverse collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of country ham, transforming it into mouthwatering dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Indulge in the classic Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy, a harmonious blend of salty ham and rich, flavorful gravy that is the cornerstone of Southern cuisine. Experience the delightful simplicity of Fried Country Ham, where crispy slices of ham are cooked to perfection and served with your favorite sides. For a taste of tradition, try the Country Ham and Biscuit Casserole, a comforting dish that combines tender ham, fluffy biscuits, and a creamy sauce.
Explore creative variations such as the Country Ham and Sweet Potato Hash, where sweet potatoes and ham unite in a savory skillet dish. Delight in the unique flavors of Country Ham and Pineapple, a combination that brings together the sweet and salty elements in a harmonious dish. And for a touch of elegance, savor the Country Ham and Asparagus Quiche, where ham and asparagus are encased in a flaky crust, creating a delightful brunch or lunch option.
Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring success in your culinary endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your journey in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you towards creating dishes that are as delicious as they are impressive. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your palate, and embark on a taste adventure that celebrates the timeless tradition of country ham.
BAKED COUNTRY HAM
Prepare this traditional ham the night before serving. Serve with Beaten Biscuits.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- The afternoon before you plan to serve the ham, fill a very large kettle or pot or your sink with water. Soak ham 4 to 8 hours to lose some of the saltiness; change the water 2 or 3 times, if possible. Rinse well, and scrape off any mold or green rind.
- Wrap ham well in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet. At 7 p.m. the night before you plan to serve the ham, preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Place the wrapped ham in a large roasting pan filled with 1 inch of water, and bake for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven, but do not open the door. At 10 P.M., turn the oven back on to 500 degrees. Bake the ham for 15 minutes more. Turn off the oven, but do not open the door. Leave the ham in the closed oven overnight.
- Remove ham from the oven, then remove the aluminum foil. Using a very sharp knife, trim the rind and all the fat from the ham. Serve the ham warm or at room temperature; cut with a ham-slicing knife into very thin slivers.
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.
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
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.
Tips:
- Choose a country ham that is at least one year old and has been properly cured.
- Soak the ham in cold water for 12-24 hours before cooking to remove excess salt.
- Rinse the ham thoroughly after soaking and pat it dry.
- Place the ham in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is cooked through.
- Remove the ham from the pot and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
Conclusion:
Country ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are cooking it for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, these tips will help you make sure that your country ham turns out perfect. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give country ham a try!
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