Gammon is one of the most popular foods around the world, loved for its succulent texture and flavor. However, as delicious as gammon is on its own, it can taste even better with the right sauce. Sauces can help to bring out the unique flavors of the meat and complement them in a way that elevates the dish to the next level. In this article, we will explore some of the best sauces for gammon and guide you through how to make them.
Why Gammon Needs a Good Sauce
While gammon is great on its own, the right sauce can take it to a whole new level. The pig’s meat, after all, has a mild flavor that benefits when paired with powerful and intense sauces. A good sauce can add some complexity and depth to the dish, enhancing its natural flavors and creating a culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning of taste buds.
There are many different sauces that pair well with gammon, from sweet and fruity to tangy and savory. Some popular options include apple sauce, cranberry sauce, mustard sauce, and honey glaze. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect pairing for your taste preferences. So next time you’re cooking gammon, don’t forget to add a delicious sauce to take it to the next level!
Traditional Gammon Sauces
Some popular gammon sauces have been around for generations and remain classics even today. Mustard, cranberry, and apple sauce are three of the most familiar. Mustard sauce, for example, is tangy and slightly spicy, making it an excellent choice for gammon with a strong taste. Cranberry sauce, meanwhile, is sweet and tart, complementing the gammon’s natural flavor. Lastly, apple sauce is sweet and refreshing. You can give it a more festive touch with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Another classic gammon sauce is pineapple sauce. It is a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the salty flavor of gammon. Pineapple sauce is made by combining pineapple juice, brown sugar, and cornstarch. The mixture is then heated until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
If you’re looking for a sauce with a bit of a kick, try making a chili sauce. This sauce is made by combining chili flakes, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It has a spicy and tangy flavor that complements the gammon’s taste. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the sauce to be.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce for Gammon
Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to gammon. Here’s how to make it:
- Take two cups of fresh cranberries, and rinse them under cold water.
- In a saucepan, mix the cranberries with a cup of sugar and a cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and let the cranberries cook until they pop. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down.
- Your cranberry sauce is ready to serve with your gammon joint!
There are a few variations you can make to this recipe to suit your taste. For example, you can add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the mixture while it’s cooking to give it a warm, spicy flavor. Alternatively, you can add a splash of orange juice or zest to the mixture to give it a citrusy kick.
If you have any leftover cranberry sauce, don’t throw it away! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it as a spread on toast or sandwiches, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
The Best Mustard Sauces for Gammon
Mustard sauces have a tangy and slightly spiced flavor, making them an excellent pairing for gammon. You can make a mustard glaze by combining grain mustard, honey, and soy sauce. Alternatively, you can create a more classic sauce by adding a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of garlic paste to a cup of Dijon mustard and cooking it over medium heat until it thickens.
Another great mustard sauce for gammon is a maple mustard glaze. To make this sauce, mix together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Brush the glaze over the gammon during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Tangy Pineapple Sauces for Gammon Lovers
Pineapple sauce is synonymous with Hawaiian-style barbecues, but it can be just as good with gammon. You can use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple chunks, sugar, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Combine and blend until smooth. If you want a more savory version, add mango chutney, ginger, and soy sauce – irresistible.
Another great way to enjoy pineapple sauce with gammon is to add a touch of smokiness. You can achieve this by grilling the pineapple chunks before blending them with the other ingredients. This will give the sauce a deeper flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty gammon.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this sauce, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also add some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to give it a refreshing twist. This sauce is not only delicious but also versatile, as it can be used as a marinade or a glaze for other meats like chicken or pork.
A Classic Apple Sauce Recipe for Gammon
Apple sauce is one of the most traditional sauces to pair with gammon. Its sweet and refreshing flavor complements the gammon beautifully. To make apple sauce from scratch, peel, core, and chop six medium-sized apples. Cook the apples with some sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a tablespoon of water until the apples are soft. Then, mash the apples until smooth.
Did you know that apple sauce can also be used as a healthy alternative to oil or butter in baking recipes? It adds moisture and sweetness to cakes, muffins, and bread without the added fat. You can even use it as a substitute for eggs in vegan baking recipes.
For a twist on the classic apple sauce recipe, try adding some grated ginger or a splash of apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will give the sauce a tangy kick and enhance the flavor of the gammon. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to create a unique flavor profile.
Sweet Honey Glazes for Your Gammon Dinner
Honey glazes are sweet and delectable, complementing the gammon’s intense taste. One simple and tasty recipe involves mixing honey, mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves together. Brush the glaze onto the gammon joint and roast it until it is cooked through. The result will be a beautifully caramelized exterior that will make your mouth water.
Another great honey glaze recipe for gammon involves mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger together. This glaze adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the gammon, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more complex taste. Brush the glaze onto the gammon joint and roast it until it is cooked through. The result will be a juicy and flavorful gammon that will impress your guests.
If you want to add a fruity twist to your gammon dinner, try making a honey and pineapple glaze. Mix honey, pineapple juice, and a pinch of salt together, and brush the glaze onto the gammon joint. Roast it until it is cooked through, and you will have a gammon with a sweet and tangy flavor that will remind you of a tropical paradise. This glaze is perfect for summer barbecues or any occasion where you want to add a touch of exotic flavor to your meal.
Spicy Chipotle Sauces to Elevate Your Gammon Game
For those who love some heat in their food, a chipotle sauce can be the perfect choice. The smoky and slightly spicy flavor of the chipotle peppers pairs great with gammon. To make your chipotle sauce, blend together chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tomato paste, lime juice, and honey. Add salt and pepper to taste, then let the sauce cool before serving.
Easy BBQ Sauces to Try with Your Gammon Joint
A good barbecue sauce can make anything taste better, and gammon is no exception. You can use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. A classic recipe involves ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Mix everything together, let it simmer for a few minutes, and your barbecue sauce is ready to use.
Simple Gravy Recipes for a Delicious Gammon Meal
A good gravy can elevate any dish, and gammon is no exception. To make a simple gravy for your gammon, take the juices that you collected from the roasting pan, mix with a bit of flour, and cook over medium heat until it thickens. You can also add some stock for a richer flavor – simply pour the stock into the roasting pan with the gammon and collect the juices along with some of the stock and follow the same procedure.
Unique Cherry and Red Wine Sauces to Impress Your Guests
If you want to create a dish that will impress your guests, a cherry and red wine sauce might be the perfect choice. The rich fruitiness of the cherries and the boldness of the red wine make for a decadent sauce that is perfect for gammon. Simply cook the cherries, red wine, and sugar together until the cherries break down and the sauce thickens.
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Sauce for your Gammon Roast
If you’re in the mood for something simple yet flavorful, garlic butter sauce is the perfect choice. Melt some butter in a saucepan, add some minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Voila! That’s all you need. This sauce is perfect for those who prefer to keep things simple.
How to Pair Different Sauces with Different Types of Gammon
Not all gammon is created equal, so it makes sense that different sauces will complement different types of gammon. For example, a more lean and tender gammon can pair well with a tangy pineapple sauce, while a stronger-tasting gammon can benefit from a mustard sauce. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect sauce for your gammon.
Vegan and Vegetarian Sauces that go Perfectly with Gammon Alternatives
For those who prefer to stick to a plant-based diet, there are still plenty of options for sauces that go well with gammon alternatives like seitan or tofu. Barbecue sauce, for example, can work well with barbecue-flavored tofu or seitan. Alternatively, a sweet chutney made with roasted fruits like plums or apricots can be an excellent choice for those who want a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer classic sauces or more unique, flavor-packed recipes, there is a sauce out there that is perfect for your gammon. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find the best pairing for your taste buds. With the right sauce, gammon can be a meal that is truly unforgettable.
