Confession time: I was skeptical. Gammon cooked in Coke? It sounded…unconventional, to say the least. But the whispers online were persistent, the photos looked tantalizing, and my family, always up for a culinary adventure (especially if it involves something a bit out of the ordinary), practically begged me to try it. So, one blustery Sunday afternoon, I took the plunge and slow-cooked a beautiful gammon joint in a bath of Coca-Cola. The aroma that filled my kitchen hours later was nothing short of magical – a sweet, savory, smoky scent that had everyone’s stomachs rumbling in anticipation. And the taste? Oh my goodness, the taste! The gammon was unbelievably tender, practically melting in your mouth, infused with a subtle sweetness and a rich, caramelized glaze that was utterly addictive. Even my pickiest eater, my youngest son, declared it “the best ham ever!” Since then, Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke has become a firm family favorite, gracing our table for Sunday lunches, festive celebrations, and even just because we crave that incredible flavor. If you’re looking for a show-stopping, surprisingly easy, and utterly delicious way to cook gammon, you absolutely must try this recipe. Prepare to be amazed!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Coca-Cola Gammon Perfection
To create this melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the magic of the slow cooker and the unexpected ingredient – Coca-Cola – to work their wonders. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for a truly unforgettable gammon feast:
- Gammon Joint: 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs) unsmoked or smoked gammon joint. Bone-in or boneless works equally well. Choosing your gammon is key. For a richer, more intense flavor, opt for smoked gammon. Unsmoked will provide a milder, sweeter taste, allowing the Coke glaze to shine even brighter. Consider the size of your slow cooker when selecting your gammon to ensure it fits comfortably. If you are feeding a larger crowd, you can easily scale up the recipe by using a larger gammon joint and adjusting the Coca-Cola quantity accordingly.
- Coca-Cola: 2 liters (approximately 8 cups) of regular Coca-Cola. This is the star of the show! Ensure you use regular Coca-Cola, not Diet or Zero, as the sugar content in regular Coke is crucial for creating that beautiful caramelized glaze and contributing to the tenderizing process of the gammon. The unique combination of sugars and acids in Coca-Cola works in harmony to break down the gammon’s fibers, resulting in exceptional tenderness and flavor. Some variations of this recipe suggest using other cola brands, but for the authentic and most widely praised result, stick with classic Coca-Cola.
- Onion: 1 large onion, peeled and quartered. Aromatic foundation. The onion adds a subtle savory depth to the cooking liquid and infuses the gammon with a gentle aromatic base. Quartering the onion allows it to release its flavor slowly during the long cooking process without overpowering the other ingredients. You can use white, yellow, or brown onions, depending on your preference.
- Bay Leaves: 2-3 bay leaves. Fragrant and herbaceous. Bay leaves contribute a delicate, slightly floral and herbaceous note to the gammon, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors. They complement the sweetness of the Coke and the savory gammon beautifully. Dried bay leaves are readily available and work perfectly in this recipe.
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns. Subtle spice and depth. Black peppercorns introduce a mild peppery warmth that balances the sweetness of the Coke and adds another layer of flavor. Using whole peppercorns allows for a gentler infusion of spice compared to ground pepper, which can sometimes become bitter during long cooking.
- Optional Glaze Ingredients (for extra caramelized finish):
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Deepens caramelization. Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like sweetness and enhances the caramelization process during the final glazing stage.
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon Dijon or English mustard. Tangy kick. Mustard provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness and adds a subtle spicy note that cuts through the richness of the gammon. Dijon mustard offers a smoother, milder flavor, while English mustard delivers a stronger, more intense kick.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons. Extra sweetness and shine. Honey or maple syrup contributes extra sweetness and a beautiful glossy shine to the glaze. Maple syrup offers a slightly more complex, woody sweetness compared to honey.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions:
While the core ingredients are simple, there’s room to personalize this recipe to your taste.
- Cola Variations: While Coca-Cola is the classic choice, some adventurous cooks have experimented with other cola flavors like cherry cola or vanilla cola for subtle variations in the glaze. However, for your first attempt, sticking with regular Coca-Cola is highly recommended to experience the authentic flavor.
- Spice Additions: For a warmer, more festive flavor profile, consider adding a cinnamon stick, a star anise, or a few cloves to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. These spices pair beautifully with gammon and the sweet cola glaze, especially during the holiday season.
- Liquid Smoke: If you desire a more pronounced smoky flavor, especially if using unsmoked gammon, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.
- Gingerbread Spices: For a truly unique and festive twist, consider adding a gingerbread spice mix (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) to the Coke. This creates a wonderfully aromatic and warming gammon perfect for winter celebrations.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke
Creating this culinary masterpiece is surprisingly straightforward. The slow cooker does most of the hard work, leaving you with tender, flavorful gammon with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to achieve Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke perfection:
Step 1: Prepare the Gammon and Slow Cooker (5 minutes)
- Rinse the Gammon: Remove the gammon joint from its packaging and rinse it under cold running water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess brine or packaging residue.
- Prepare the Onion: Peel the large onion and cut it into quarters. No need for fancy chopping; rough quarters are perfect for infusing flavor into the cooking liquid.
- Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the quartered onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a slightly raised bed for the gammon, preventing it from sticking directly to the bottom and ensuring even cooking. Scatter the bay leaves and black peppercorns over the onions.
- Position the Gammon: Gently place the gammon joint on top of the onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns in the slow cooker. Ensure it sits relatively flat if possible for even cooking.
Step 2: Pour in the Coca-Cola (2 minutes)
- Pour Coca-Cola: Carefully pour the 2 liters of Coca-Cola over the gammon in the slow cooker. The Coca-Cola should almost completely submerge the gammon joint. If your gammon is particularly large or your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to adjust the amount of Coca-Cola slightly, ensuring at least two-thirds of the gammon is submerged.
- Check Liquid Level: Ensure the liquid level is sufficient. If necessary, add a little more Coca-Cola or water to ensure the gammon is mostly submerged.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection (4-8 hours)
- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH heat for 4-5 hours. Slow and low is key for maximum tenderness. Cooking on low heat for a longer duration allows the gammon to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you are short on time, cooking on high heat will still yield delicious results, but the texture might be slightly less melt-in-your-mouth.
- Check for Doneness: The gammon is cooked when it is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the gammon, avoiding the bone if you are using a bone-in joint. If the gammon is not yet tender or has not reached the safe internal temperature, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes and check again.
Step 4: Optional Glaze and Browning (15-20 minutes – Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Remove Gammon and Reduce Cooking Liquid (Optional): Carefully remove the gammon joint from the slow cooker and place it on a baking tray lined with foil. If you want a more intense glaze, you can pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat to reduce it slightly and thicken it into a more concentrated glaze. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard (Dijon or English), and honey or maple syrup (if using). This creates a simple yet flavorful glaze to enhance the caramelized finish.
- Glaze the Gammon (Optional): Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the gammon joint. Ensure you coat all sides for a beautiful and flavorful finish. You can apply multiple layers of glaze for a richer, stickier result, brushing each layer on after the previous one has slightly set.
- Broil or Bake to Glaze (Optional): Place the glazed gammon under a preheated broiler (grill) for 5-7 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the gammon while broiling or baking to prevent the glaze from burning. Rotate the baking tray occasionally to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve (10-15 minutes)
- Rest the Gammon: Remove the gammon from the broiler or oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful gammon. Cover loosely with foil during resting to keep it warm.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the gammon into slices or chunks and serve hot. The gammon will be incredibly tender and easy to carve.
Tips for Perfect Instructions:
- Slow Cooker Size: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and size. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Gammon Size: Adjust cooking time based on the size of your gammon joint. Larger joints will require longer cooking times.
- Glaze Intensity: The glazing step is optional but highly recommended for a more visually appealing and flavorful gammon. You can adjust the intensity of the glaze by controlling the broiling/baking time and the number of glaze layers applied.
- Flavor Enhancement: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional spices and flavorings in the slow cooker or in the glaze to customize the recipe to your preferences.
Nutrition Facts: Indulge Responsibly
While Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is undeniably delicious, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional content, especially when enjoying it regularly. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary depending on the specific gammon joint used, the amount of glaze, and serving sizes.
- Servings: Approximately 12-15 servings (depending on gammon size and slice thickness).
- Calories per Serving (estimated): 350-450 calories.
Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated):
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Fat: 20-30 grams (can vary depending on gammon cut)
- Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams (can vary depending on gammon cut)
- Cholesterol: 100-130 mg
- Sodium: 800-1200 mg (can vary significantly depending on gammon type – unsmoked vs. smoked)
- Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams (primarily from the Coca-Cola glaze)
- Sugar: 15-25 grams (primarily from the Coca-Cola glaze)
- Fiber: 0 grams
Important Considerations:
- Sodium Content: Gammon is naturally high in sodium, and the cooking process can further concentrate it. Be mindful of sodium intake, especially if you are watching your salt consumption. Choosing unsmoked gammon can help reduce the sodium content slightly compared to smoked gammon.
- Sugar Content: The Coca-Cola contributes to the sugar content of the dish. While it creates a delicious glaze, be aware of the sugar intake, especially if you are managing blood sugar levels.
- Fat Content: Gammon can be a fatty cut of meat. Choosing leaner cuts and trimming visible fat before cooking can help reduce the fat content.
- Serving Size: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie and nutrient intake effectively.
Enjoy in Moderation: Like many delicious and flavorful dishes, Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and in moderation. Pair it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create a more nutritious and complete meal.
Preparation Time: From Pantry to Plate
One of the many advantages of Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is its minimal hands-on preparation time. Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment involved:
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (includes rinsing gammon, chopping onion, and assembling ingredients in the slow cooker). This is the active time you’ll spend preparing the dish.
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours (slow cooker time, mostly hands-off). This is the time the gammon spends cooking in the slow cooker. You can leave it to cook while you go about your day.
- Optional Glaze & Browning Time: 15-20 minutes (includes glaze preparation and broiling/baking time). This step is optional but adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Resting Time: 10-15 minutes (essential for tender and juicy gammon). This is the time the gammon rests after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute.
Total Time (Estimated): Approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes (including cook time, optional glaze, and resting). The vast majority of this time is hands-off slow cooking time.
Make-Ahead Friendly:
Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is incredibly make-ahead friendly. You can cook the gammon in advance and then reheat it before serving.
- Cook Ahead: Cook the gammon completely in the slow cooker as per the instructions.
- Cool and Store: Allow the gammon to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, you can gently warm the gammon in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can slice the gammon and reheat slices in a microwave or skillet. If you made a glaze, you can re-glaze the gammon during reheating for a fresh, glossy finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke: Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways, making it perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
Classic Sunday Roast Style:
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roast potatoes are the quintessential accompaniment to gammon. Roast them alongside root vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted with herbs and a touch of honey complement the sweetness of the gammon beautifully.
- Steamed or Roasted Green Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the richness of the gammon.
- Yorkshire Pudding: For a truly traditional British Sunday roast experience, serve with fluffy Yorkshire puddings.
- Gravy: While the gammon is flavorful on its own, a simple pan gravy made from the cooking juices (reduced and thickened) can add extra richness. Alternatively, a classic bread sauce or parsley sauce works wonderfully.
- Apple Sauce or Cranberry Sauce: The sweetness and tartness of apple sauce or cranberry sauce provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory gammon.
Festive Holiday Feast:
- Christmas or Easter Gammon: Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is a fantastic alternative to traditional roasted ham for Christmas or Easter. Its rich flavor and impressive presentation make it a centerpiece dish.
- Festive Stuffing: Serve with your favorite festive stuffing, whether it’s sage and onion, chestnut, or cranberry and sausage.
- Bread Sauce or Cranberry Sauce: Essential holiday accompaniments that complement the gammon perfectly.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts add a festive touch and nutty flavor that pairs well with gammon.
- Mulled Wine or Cider: Serve with warm mulled wine or cider for a truly festive and cozy meal.
Casual Weeknight Dinner:
- Gammon Sandwiches or Wraps: Cold gammon slices are fantastic for sandwiches and wraps. Use crusty bread, soft rolls, or tortillas and fill with your favorite sandwich fillings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mustard.
- Gammon Salad: Dice or slice leftover gammon and add it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.
- Gammon Hash: Dice leftover gammon and potatoes and fry them together with onions and herbs for a hearty and flavorful hash.
- Gammon and Eggs: Serve fried or poached eggs with slices of gammon for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
- Gammon Pasta Bake: Add diced gammon to a creamy pasta bake with cheese and vegetables for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.
Serving with Sauces and Glazes:
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush with a honey mustard glaze during the final glazing stage for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Maple Glaze: A maple glaze adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the gammon beautifully.
- BBQ Sauce Glaze: For a smoky and savory twist, glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Pineapple Glaze: A pineapple glaze adds a tropical sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the gammon.
- Chutney or Relish: Serve with a side of chutney or relish, such as mango chutney, onion chutney, or apple relish, for added flavor and texture.
Presentation Ideas:
- Whole Joint Presentation: For a dramatic presentation, serve the gammon whole on a large platter and carve it at the table.
- Sliced Platter: Arrange slices of gammon attractively on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Caramelized Glaze Display: If you glazed the gammon, ensure the caramelized glaze is prominently displayed for visual appeal.
- Garnish with Orange or Lemon Slices: Fresh orange or lemon slices can add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke Perfection: Elevate Your Gammon Game
Want to take your Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke from delicious to absolutely sensational? Here are five essential tips to ensure gammon perfection every time:
- Choose the Right Gammon: The foundation of a great dish starts with quality ingredients. Select a good quality gammon joint that suits your preferences. Consider:
- Smoked vs. Unsmoked: Smoked gammon offers a richer, smokier flavor, while unsmoked is milder and allows the Coca-Cola glaze to be more prominent. Choose based on your taste preference.
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in gammon tends to be more flavorful and moist due to the bone marrow, but boneless is easier to carve. Both work well in this recipe.
- Size: Select a gammon joint that fits comfortably in your slow cooker without being too cramped. Allow for some space around the gammon for even cooking.
- Butcher vs. Supermarket: If possible, consider purchasing your gammon from a reputable butcher. They can often provide higher quality cuts and offer advice on the best gammon for your needs.
- Don’t Skimp on the Coke (and use the right kind!): Coca-Cola is the magic ingredient in this recipe, so don’t be tempted to reduce the quantity or substitute with diet versions.
- Use Regular Coca-Cola: Regular Coca-Cola is essential for this recipe. Diet or Zero Coke will not work the same way as they lack the sugar content needed for caramelization and flavor development.
- Ensure Sufficient Liquid: The Coca-Cola should almost submerge the gammon joint. If necessary, add a little more to ensure at least two-thirds of the gammon is covered during cooking. This helps keep the gammon moist and prevents it from drying out.
- Consider Cola Temperature: While not strictly necessary, using room temperature Coca-Cola can help prevent a sudden drop in temperature in the slow cooker when you add the liquid, potentially leading to more consistent cooking.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Patience is a virtue when it comes to slow cooking, especially with gammon.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cooking on low heat for a longer duration (6-8 hours) is highly recommended for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. This gentle cooking method breaks down the gammon’s fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking can still lead to dry gammon. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove the gammon from the slow cooker as soon as it reaches the safe internal temperature (145°F or 63°C) and is fork-tender.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Resist the urge to increase the heat or shorten the cooking time significantly. Slow and low cooking is what makes this recipe so special.
- Embrace the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended): The optional glazing step takes this recipe to another level, adding a beautiful caramelized finish and enhanced flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: While technically optional, glazing is highly recommended for the best flavor and presentation. It adds a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy layer that complements the gammon perfectly.
- Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with different glaze variations to find your favorite. Brown sugar, mustard, honey, maple syrup, BBQ sauce, and pineapple juice are all excellent additions to a glaze.
- Apply Multiple Glaze Layers: For a richer, stickier glaze, apply multiple thin layers, brushing each layer on after the previous one has slightly set. This builds up a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Broil or Bake Carefully: Keep a close eye on the gammon while broiling or baking to glaze, as the sugars in the glaze can burn quickly. Rotate the baking tray to ensure even browning.
- Rest Before Carving (Crucial for Juiciness): Resting the gammon after cooking is just as important as the cooking process itself.
- Rest for at Least 10-15 Minutes: Allow the cooked gammon to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, moist, and flavorful gammon.
- Cover Loosely While Resting: Cover the gammon loosely with foil while resting to keep it warm without steaming it too much and losing the crispy glaze (if you used one).
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Resist the temptation to carve the gammon immediately after removing it from the slow cooker. Resting is essential for achieving optimal juiciness and texture.
By following these additional tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke that is truly exceptional and sure to impress your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke: Your Gammon Queries Answered
Got questions about making Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke? You’re not alone! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this delicious recipe with confidence:
Q1: Can I use Diet Coke or Coke Zero instead of regular Coca-Cola?
A: No, it is strongly recommended to use regular Coca-Cola for this recipe. Diet Coke and Coke Zero do not contain the same amount of sugar as regular Coke. The sugar in regular Coca-Cola is crucial for creating the caramelized glaze, contributing to the flavor profile, and helping to tenderize the gammon during the slow cooking process. Using diet versions will result in a less flavorful, less caramelized, and potentially less tender gammon. Stick with classic, full-sugar Coca-Cola for the best results.
Q2: What type of gammon joint is best for this recipe – smoked or unsmoked?
A: Both smoked and unsmoked gammon joints work wonderfully in this recipe, and the best choice depends on your personal preference.
- Smoked Gammon: Smoked gammon will impart a richer, smokier flavor to the finished dish. The smoky notes complement the sweetness of the Coca-Cola glaze beautifully, creating a more complex and savory flavor profile. If you enjoy a bolder, more pronounced flavor, smoked gammon is an excellent choice.
- Unsmoked Gammon: Unsmoked gammon offers a milder, sweeter flavor. It allows the sweetness of the Coca-Cola glaze to shine through more prominently. Unsmoked gammon is a good option if you prefer a less intense smoky flavor or want the sweetness of the glaze to be the star of the show.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Try both smoked and unsmoked gammon versions to discover your personal favorite!
Q3: How do I know when the gammon is cooked through in the slow cooker?
A: The most reliable way to check if your gammon is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the gammon, avoiding the bone if you are using a bone-in joint.
- Safe Internal Temperature: The gammon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- Fork-Tender Test: In addition to temperature, the gammon should be fork-tender when cooked. It should be easy to pierce with a fork and the meat should feel soft and yielding.
Start checking the temperature and tenderness towards the end of the recommended cooking time (around 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high). If it’s not yet done, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes and check again. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the gammon joint.
Q4: Can I make Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke ahead of time?
A: Yes, Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is very make-ahead friendly, which is a great advantage for meal planning and entertaining.
- Cook in Advance: Cook the gammon completely in the slow cooker according to the recipe instructions.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cooked gammon to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, you can gently warm the whole gammon joint in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can slice the gammon and reheat slices in a microwave or skillet. If you made a glaze, you can re-glaze the gammon during reheating for a fresh, glossy finish.
Making it ahead of time can actually enhance the flavor, as the gammon has more time to absorb the delicious Coca-Cola glaze.
Q5: What are some good side dishes to serve with Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke?
A: Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some popular and delicious suggestions:
- Classic Roast Dinner Sides: Roasted potatoes, roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes), steamed or roasted green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts), Yorkshire pudding, gravy, apple sauce, cranberry sauce.
- Potato Dishes: Mashed potatoes, creamy potato gratin, dauphinoise potatoes, potato salad.
- Vegetable Sides: Creamed spinach, buttered peas, glazed carrots, green bean casserole, corn on the cob.
- Salads: Fresh green salad with vinaigrette, coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad.
- Bread and Rolls: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, garlic bread.
- Festive Sides (for holidays): Stuffing, bread sauce, roasted chestnuts.
Choose side dishes that complement the richness of the gammon and create a balanced and satisfying meal. Consider offering a mix of starches, vegetables, and sauces to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke adventure! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Slow Cooker Gammon In Coke recipe
Ingredients
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- Gammon Joint: 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs) unsmoked or smoked gammon joint. Bone-in or boneless works equally well. Choosing your gammon is key. For a richer, more intense flavor, opt for smoked gammon. Unsmoked will provide a milder, sweeter taste, allowing the Coke glaze to shine even brighter. Consider the size of your slow cooker when selecting your gammon to ensure it fits comfortably. If you are feeding a larger crowd, you can easily scale up the recipe by using a larger gammon joint and adjusting the Coca-Cola quantity accordingly.
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- Coca-Cola: 2 liters (approximately 8 cups) of regular Coca-Cola. This is the star of the show! Ensure you use regular Coca-Cola, not Diet or Zero, as the sugar content in regular Coke is crucial for creating that beautiful caramelized glaze and contributing to the tenderizing process of the gammon. The unique combination of sugars and acids in Coca-Cola works in harmony to break down the gammon’s fibers, resulting in exceptional tenderness and flavor. Some variations of this recipe suggest using other cola brands, but for the authentic and most widely praised result, stick with classic Coca-Cola.
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- Onion: 1 large onion, peeled and quartered. Aromatic foundation. The onion adds a subtle savory depth to the cooking liquid and infuses the gammon with a gentle aromatic base. Quartering the onion allows it to release its flavor slowly during the long cooking process without overpowering the other ingredients. You can use white, yellow, or brown onions, depending on your preference.
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- Bay Leaves: 2-3 bay leaves. Fragrant and herbaceous. Bay leaves contribute a delicate, slightly floral and herbaceous note to the gammon, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors. They complement the sweetness of the Coke and the savory gammon beautifully. Dried bay leaves are readily available and work perfectly in this recipe.
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- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns. Subtle spice and depth. Black peppercorns introduce a mild peppery warmth that balances the sweetness of the Coke and adds another layer of flavor. Using whole peppercorns allows for a gentler infusion of spice compared to ground pepper, which can sometimes become bitter during long cooking.
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- Optional Glaze Ingredients (for extra caramelized finish):
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- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Deepens caramelization. Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like sweetness and enhances the caramelization process during the final glazing stage.
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- Mustard: 1 tablespoon Dijon or English mustard. Tangy kick. Mustard provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness and adds a subtle spicy note that cuts through the richness of the gammon. Dijon mustard offers a smoother, milder flavor, while English mustard delivers a stronger, more intense kick.
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- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons. Extra sweetness and shine. Honey or maple syrup contributes extra sweetness and a beautiful glossy shine to the glaze. Maple syrup offers a slightly more complex, woody sweetness compared to honey.
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- Optional Glaze Ingredients (for extra caramelized finish):
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gammon and Slow Cooker (5 minutes)
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- Rinse the Gammon: Remove the gammon joint from its packaging and rinse it under cold running water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess brine or packaging residue.
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- Prepare the Onion: Peel the large onion and cut it into quarters. No need for fancy chopping; rough quarters are perfect for infusing flavor into the cooking liquid.
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- Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the quartered onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a slightly raised bed for the gammon, preventing it from sticking directly to the bottom and ensuring even cooking. Scatter the bay leaves and black peppercorns over the onions.
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- Position the Gammon: Gently place the gammon joint on top of the onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns in the slow cooker. Ensure it sits relatively flat if possible for even cooking.
Step 2: Pour in the Coca-Cola (2 minutes)
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- Pour Coca-Cola: Carefully pour the 2 liters of Coca-Cola over the gammon in the slow cooker. The Coca-Cola should almost completely submerge the gammon joint. If your gammon is particularly large or your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to adjust the amount of Coca-Cola slightly, ensuring at least two-thirds of the gammon is submerged.
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- Check Liquid Level: Ensure the liquid level is sufficient. If necessary, add a little more Coca-Cola or water to ensure the gammon is mostly submerged.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection (4-8 hours)
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- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH heat for 4-5 hours. Slow and low is key for maximum tenderness. Cooking on low heat for a longer duration allows the gammon to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you are short on time, cooking on high heat will still yield delicious results, but the texture might be slightly less melt-in-your-mouth.
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- Check for Doneness: The gammon is cooked when it is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the gammon, avoiding the bone if you are using a bone-in joint. If the gammon is not yet tender or has not reached the safe internal temperature, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes and check again.
Step 4: Optional Glaze and Browning (15-20 minutes – Optional but Highly Recommended)
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- Remove Gammon and Reduce Cooking Liquid (Optional): Carefully remove the gammon joint from the slow cooker and place it on a baking tray lined with foil. If you want a more intense glaze, you can pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat to reduce it slightly and thicken it into a more concentrated glaze. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard (Dijon or English), and honey or maple syrup (if using). This creates a simple yet flavorful glaze to enhance the caramelized finish.
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- Glaze the Gammon (Optional): Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the gammon joint. Ensure you coat all sides for a beautiful and flavorful finish. You can apply multiple layers of glaze for a richer, stickier result, brushing each layer on after the previous one has slightly set.
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- Broil or Bake to Glaze (Optional): Place the glazed gammon under a preheated broiler (grill) for 5-7 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the gammon while broiling or baking to prevent the glaze from burning. Rotate the baking tray occasionally to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve (10-15 minutes)
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- Rest the Gammon: Remove the gammon from the broiler or oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful gammon. Cover loosely with foil during resting to keep it warm.
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- Carve and Serve: Carve the gammon into slices or chunks and serve hot. The gammon will be incredibly tender and easy to carve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350-450
- Sodium: 800-1200 mg
- Fat: 20-30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
- Fiber: 15-25 grams
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Cholesterol: 100-130 mg