Ham with Raisin Sauce Recipe | Delicious & Easy

Introduction

The Ham with Raisin Sauce recipe is a classic dish that combines the hearty richness of tender, flavorful ham with a luscious, sweet-tangy raisin sauce that elevates the entire meal. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors that appeal to a broad range of palates. Its simplicity, combined with the vibrant citrus notes and the natural sweetness of raisins, makes it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. At Love With Recipes, we emphasize not just the taste but also the ease of preparation, ensuring that this dish can be made quickly without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

This recipe is designed to serve as a complete, satisfying meal when paired with side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will delight your senses and impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting a festive gathering, this Ham with Raisin Sauce offers a perfect centerpiece that combines comfort and elegance.

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Vegetable peeler
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Baking pan or shallow roasting dish
• Serving platter
• Kitchen tongs or spatula
• Ladle or large spoon

Tags

• Quick Dinner
• Holiday Main Course
• Family-Friendly
• Sweet and Savory
• Elegant Simplicity

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, suitable for a family dinner or small gathering. Each serving provides a hearty portion of ham complemented by a generous spoonful of raisin sauce, ensuring a flavorful and filling meal.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as Easy. It involves straightforward steps that require minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for novice cooks or those short on time. The key is to carefully prepare the orange and properly simmer the sauce to achieve the desired consistency and flavor balance.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Citrus (orange), raisins (dried fruit)
• Potential cross-contact: Check ham packaging for additives or preservatives if you have allergies.

Dietary Preference

This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to fit a paleo or low-sugar diet by adjusting the amount of marmalade or choosing a sugar-free alternative. It is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the inclusion of ham.

Course

• Main Course

Cuisine

• American
• Southern

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Orange

Begin by washing the orange thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residual dirt or pesticides. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully strip the rind off half of the orange, making sure to remove only the bright orange outer layer. Avoid the white pith beneath the zest, as it is bitter and can interfere with the flavor profile of your sauce.

Once peeled, transfer the orange peel to a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, finely shred or julienne the orange rind into thin strips. This process helps release the citrus oils and enhances the flavor of the sauce. Set these shredded rinds aside, as they will be incorporated into the sauce later.

2. Juice the Orange

Slice the orange in half crosswise and hold each half over a small bowl. Using a citrus juicer or your hands, squeeze the juice from both halves, ensuring to extract as much liquid as possible. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp or seeds if desired, or leave them in for added texture and flavor.

Measure the juice with a liquid measuring cup to ensure accuracy for the sauce. Set aside the fresh orange juice for the subsequent steps.

3. Make the Raisin Orange Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded orange peel, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange marmalade, and ground allspice. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture that will serve as the base of your sauce.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. As it heats, the flavors will meld, and the marmalade will melt into the citrus juice, creating a fragrant and vibrant sauce.

4. Thicken the Sauce

While the sauce is heating, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water, stirring vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil, carefully stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Continue to stir constantly to evenly distribute the thickening agent. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you desire a thicker consistency, repeat the process with a bit more cornstarch.

The sauce should have a glossy, slightly viscous texture that coats the back of a spoon. Be cautious not to over-thicken, as the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

5. Incorporate Raisins and Finish the Sauce

Stir in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The raisins will absorb some of the sauce’s flavors and plump up slightly, adding natural sweetness and texture.

Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside. Cover loosely if not serving immediately, to keep warm without trapping steam that could dilute the sauce.

6. Prepare the Ham

While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven or stovetop. If using a ham steak or other boneless ham, trim any excess fat around the edges with a sharp knife. This step helps prevent greasiness and ensures a clean presentation.

Transfer the ham to a shallow baking pan or roasting dish. Cover lightly with wax paper or foil to prevent splattering and to retain moisture. If you prefer, you can also reheat the ham on the stovetop by placing it in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the ham for about 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until heated through and slightly caramelized on the edges. The goal is to warm the ham evenly without drying it out.

Once heated, carefully drain any excess fat or juices from the pan, and transfer the ham to a serving platter.

7. Serve with Sauce

Generously spoon the warm raisin sauce over the ham, ensuring each slice or portion is coated with the flavorful glaze. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pair your ham with classic side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh herbs if desired for presentation.

Preparation Tips

• Always use fresh, high-quality ham for optimal flavor and tenderness. Boneless ham is recommended for ease of slicing and serving.
• Adjust the amount of marmalade based on your sweetness preference. For a tangier sauce, reduce the marmalade slightly or add a splash of lemon juice.
• Use a microplane or fine grater to shred the orange peel finely, which helps release essential oils and enhances the sauce’s citrus aroma.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the finished sauce briefly with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
• To add depth, consider incorporating a splash of bourbon or brandy into the sauce during simmering.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce during simmering.
• Use a high-quality orange marmalade with natural fruit content for richer flavor.
• To prevent the sauce from becoming too sweet, balance with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
• If you like a caramelized crust on your ham, broil it for 2-3 minutes after glazing with the sauce, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve moisture and flavor.

Add-ons

• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
• A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Additional toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, sprinkled over the sauce for added crunch

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Buttered corn on the cob
• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
• Fresh mixed greens with vinaigrette

Improvements and Variations

• Incorporate sliced apples or pears into the sauce for additional fruitiness.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of marmalade for different sweetness nuances.
• Try glazing the ham with a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey before adding the raisin sauce for a tangy-sweet combination.
• For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.

Save and Store

Leftover ham can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The raisin sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving. For longer storage, freeze both ham and sauce individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to restore moisture.

FAQ

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the raisin sauce ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. The ham can also be cooked or reheated in advance; just ensure it’s kept moist and heated thoroughly.

Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?

Absolutely. Dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates can work as excellent alternatives, adding their unique flavors to the sauce.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as the ingredients used, especially the marmalade and ham, are gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten sources.

Conclusion

The Ham with Raisin Sauce from Love With Recipes is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a flavorful, elegant dish. Its harmonious blend of citrus, sweetness, and savory ham makes it a versatile centerpiece for any meal. With minimal preparation and impressive results, this recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it invites you to enjoy a comforting, flavorful experience that will leave your guests asking for seconds. The balance of textures and flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, ensures this dish will become a household favorite, cherished for its classic appeal and delightful taste.

References

• Food Network: Classic Ham Recipes
• Joy of Cooking: Citrus Sauces and Glazes