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Savory Southern Country Ham: A Timeless Recipe for Family Gatherings

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How to Cook a Traditional Country Ham

Cooking a country ham is a cherished culinary tradition that transforms a simple piece of cured pork into an extraordinary dish bursting with flavor and history. Known for its rich, salty taste and tenderness, a country ham requires careful preparation and attention to detail. This recipe will guide you through the essential steps to ensure that your ham is perfectly cooked, allowing you to savor the unique flavors of this Southern delicacy. The process may seem lengthy, but the results are worth every moment spent. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the delightful journey of cooking a country ham!

Recipe Overview

Attribute Details
Name How to Cook a Traditional Country Ham
Prep Time 48 hours
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 53 hours
Description Country ham is cured with salt and can be stored without refrigeration until after cooking. Proper preparation is crucial to avoid a salty disaster, so follow the directions closely for the best results. This ham is perfect for serving on biscuits.
Category Ham
Servings 25
Calories per Serving 693.4

Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 693.4
Total Fat 50.5 g
Saturated Fat 18.1 g
Cholesterol 152.4 mg
Sodium 3498.1 mg
Carbohydrates 6.2 g
Fiber 0.2 g
Sugar 5.7 g
Protein 50.4 g

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Country ham 1
Ground cloves 2 teaspoons
Light brown sugar 2/3 cup
Cider vinegar Enough to make a paste

Instructions

Preparing the Ham

  1. Scrub the Ham
    Begin by scrubbing the country ham thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or residue from the surface. This step is crucial, as it prepares the meat for proper soaking and cooking.

  2. Soak the Ham
    Place the cleaned ham in a large pot or pan; a cooler can also work if you don’t have a sufficiently large pot. Cover the ham completely with water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Allow the ham to soak for 24 hours, which is essential for extracting excess salt. After soaking, discard the water and prepare for cooking.

Cooking the Ham

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This initial low cooking temperature will help to gently cook the ham without drying it out.

  2. Roasting the Ham
    Place the ham in a large roaster, ensuring the fat side is facing up. Again, cover the ham completely with water. Place the roaster in the oven on the lowest shelf and bake for approximately 2 hours. After this time, turn the ham to the other side and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours. Overall, the ham should cook for a total of 4 to 4.5 hours, which translates to about 15 to 18 minutes per pound. This slow cooking method ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

  3. Resting the Ham
    Once the ham has reached the appropriate cooking time, remove it from the oven but leave it submerged in the water overnight. This resting period is critical for allowing the flavors to meld and further extracting excess salt from the meat. Be sure not to refrigerate the ham during this time.

Final Preparation

  1. Preheat the Oven Again
    The next day, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature will help to create a deliciously caramelized crust on the outside of the ham.

  2. Prepare the Ham for Glazing
    Remove the ham from the water and discard the skin. This step is essential for achieving the perfect glaze. Next, sprinkle the exposed fat with the ground cloves, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor.

  3. Make the Glaze
    In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with enough cider vinegar to create a thick paste. This mixture will serve as your glaze. Using a brush, generously apply the sugar and vinegar paste over the surface of the ham.

  4. Bake the Glazed Ham
    Place the glazed ham back in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized to a beautiful golden-brown color. Keep a close eye on the ham during this time to prevent burning.

  5. Let It Rest
    Once the ham is beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 1 hour outside the oven. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender final product.

Serving the Ham

After the resting period, slice the ham into generous portions and serve it warm. Country ham is traditionally enjoyed sliced on fresh biscuits, allowing the salty and savory flavors of the ham to shine through. You may also pair it with various sides, such as collard greens or baked beans, for a truly Southern feast.

This country ham recipe is not just a meal; it’s a labor of love that brings friends and family together around the table, creating lasting memories and satisfying appetites. Enjoy your culinary creation and the deliciousness of this time-honored dish!

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