How to cook gammon in the slow cooker
If you have a slow cooker, you probably use it a lot, especially in the colder months to cook stews and casseroles. But it can also be great for preparing other things like curries, fudges and joints of meat like gammon in ways you might not have considered.
Cooking gammon in a slow cooker isn’t just a meal, it’s a culinary transformation. This cut of meat, once cooked, becomes a tender, mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a special feast, the slow cooker emerges as a versatile and convenient kitchen companion, ensuring consistently delicious results with minimal effort.
In this post, I am going to discuss cooking gammon in a slow cooker, unveiling the secrets to infusing rich flavours, achieving that ideal tender texture, and simplifying your meal preparations. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker pro or a novice, you’ll find that slow-cooked gammon is both gratifying and fuss-free.
Popular Ways to Cook Gammon
There are many ways to cook gammon in a slow cooker. Here are a couple of straightforward methods for you to try.
A popular method for cooking gammon in the slow cooker is in a mixture of water, apple juice, and brown sugar. Only minimal preparation is needed for this combination, but it produces a lovely, sweet, and delicious glaze that will coat the meat during cooking. Simply place your gammon joint in the slow cooker pot, pour in the liquid combination, and simmer on low for a few hours, or until the meat is cooked to your preference.
Another favourite option is similar to that above but slightly different. It uses a mixture of pineapple juice, cloves, and brown sugar. You can use mustard or honey in place of the pineapple juice to provide a little sweetness and tang that goes well with the gammon if you would prefer. Simply put the gammon in the slow cooker, cover it with the liquid mixture, and cook on low heat until the doneness you wish is reached.
Should you prefer your gammon without a glaze, simply place the joint in the slow cooker with water, stock, or apple cider. If you want to give the gammon more flavour, you may add other ingredients to the slow cooker, such as onions, cloves, or bay leaves, which will allow the gammon to absorb more flavour while it cooks.
Are you feeling a bit adventurous? Why not try something unconventional and cook your gammon in Coca-Cola or Fanta, infusing your meat with a unique twist that’s simple to make and incredibly tasty?
Coca-Cola Gammon
Have you ever heard of Coca-Cola Gammon? It’s a delicious twist on the classic gammon dish that you won’t want to miss out on. This flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a Christmas celebration.
The secret to the unique taste of Coca-Cola Gammon is the sweet and tangy glaze made with Coca-Cola, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. The cola adds a subtle sweetness while keeping the meat tender and moist. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for giving this recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 gammon joint
- 1 litre of Diet Coca-Cola (regular Coca-Cola works too)
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 5-6 black peppercorns
Instructions:
- Put the gammon joint in your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns on top of the gammon.
- Pour the entire bottle of Coca-Cola over the gammon, ensuring it’s mostly covered. Add more Cola or a bit of water if needed for full submersion.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the gammon is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Once done, remove the gammon carefully and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes.
- While the gammon rests, strain the liquid from the slow cooker to remove the onions, garlic, and spices. You can save the liquid to use as a delicious sauce.
- Slice the gammon and serve it with your preferred side dishes. Drizzle some of the strained Coca-Cola liquid over the slices for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Fanta Gammon
Fanta gammon is a dish that offers a flavourful twist on traditional gammon. It combines the sweetness of Fanta with the salty touch of the gammon, creating a unique combination of tastes in your mouth. This dish has been a favourite in many households for years, and it is not surprising why.
The dish’s sweetness is not overpowering as you may expect, and the gammon’s savoury nature is enhanced by the added flavour. All in all, Fanta gammon is a dish that will not disappoint your taste buds, and it might even become a new favourite in your family.
Ingredients:
- 1 gammon joint
- 1 litre of Fanta Zero Orange
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Put the gammon joint in your slow cooker.
- Combine the Fanta, orange zest, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour this mixture over the gammon.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the gammon is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Once the gammon is done, carefully remove it and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
- While the gammon rests, strain the cooking liquid to remove the spices and herbs.
- Slice the gammon and serve it with your choice of sides. Drizzle some of the liquid over the slices for a sweet and citrusy glaze.
Why you should try these recipes
Both Coca-Cola Gammon and Fanta Gammon provide a unique twist on this slow cooker classic. The soft drinks are used to infuse the meat with sweetness and lots of flavour, while the slow-cooking process ensures your gammon remains tender. Why not try other fizzy drinks too – Cherry Coke, and Mango or Lime Pepsi would make great alternatives and give your gammon another unique twist.
These dishes are perfect for special occasions or as part of a quick dinner. When your gammon is ready, pair it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or even a side of dirty wedges or fries. Leftover gammon can even be used for sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Other recipes you might like are Diet Coke chicken and Christmas red cabbage.