The Ultimate Guide to Slow Cooking Gammon: Do You Cover It with Water?

The slow cooker is a magical appliance that transforms tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces. One popular choice for slow cooking is gammon, a cured ham that boasts a salty, savory flavor. But when it comes to slow cooking gammon, a common question arises: do you cover gammon with water in the slow cooker? The answer, like many things in cooking, isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s delve into the nuances of slow-cooking gammon and explore the pros and cons of adding water to your recipe.

The Benefits of Adding Water

Adding water to your slow cooker gammon offers several advantages:

• Moisture Retention: Water helps to prevent the gammon from drying out during the long cooking process. The steam created by the simmering water keeps the meat moist and tender.
• Flavor Infusion: You can use the water to create a delicious broth that infuses the gammon with flavor. Add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the water for a richer, more complex taste.
• Easy Clean Up: The water helps to loosen any bits of gammon that might stick to the bottom of the slow cooker, making clean up a breeze.

The Drawbacks of Adding Water

While water can be beneficial, there are also some potential downsides to consider:

• Diluted Flavor: Adding too much water can dilute the natural flavor of the gammon. This is especially true if you’re using a pre-cooked gammon that already has a strong flavor.
• Soggy Gammon: If you add too much water, the gammon can become soggy and lose its texture. Aim for a small amount of water, just enough to create a simmering environment.
• Less Browning: Water can inhibit the browning process, which contributes to the flavor and appearance of the gammon.

The Best of Both Worlds: A Balanced Approach

The key to achieving perfect slow-cooked gammon lies in finding a balance between moisture and flavor. Here’s a strategy that combines the best of both worlds:

• Start with a Small Amount of Water: Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a moist environment without overwhelming the gammon.
• Use Aromatics: Infuse the water with flavor by adding onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and peppercorns. This will enhance the taste of the gammon without diluting it.
• Monitor the Liquid Level: Check the liquid level periodically throughout the cooking process. If the water evaporates too much, add a little more to maintain a simmering environment.
• Glazing: Towards the end of the cooking time, remove the gammon from the slow cooker and glaze it with a mixture of honey, mustard, and brown sugar. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust and add another layer of flavor.

When to Skip the Water

In some cases, you might not need to add any water at all to your slow cooker gammon. Here are a few scenarios where water might be unnecessary:

• Pre-Cooked Gammon: Pre-cooked gammon is already moist and flavorful. Adding water could make it soggy and dilute the flavor.
• Gammon with Fat: Gammon with a good amount of fat will naturally release its own juices during cooking, providing enough moisture.
• Short Cooking Time: If you’re only cooking the gammon for a short period of time, it might not require any additional moisture.

Tips for Slow-Cooking Gammon

To ensure your slow-cooked gammon is a success, here are a few additional tips:

• Score the Fat: Scoring the fat on the gammon allows for even cooking and helps to create a crispy crust.
• Season Generously: Season the gammon liberally with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
• Cook on Low: Slow cooking gammon on low heat ensures the meat stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the gammon to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

Gammon Feast: Serving Suggestions

Slow-cooked gammon is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next gammon feast:

• Classic Gammon with Roasted Vegetables: Serve the gammon with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
• Gammon and Pea Salad: Combine the gammon with peas, lettuce, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
• Gammon Sandwiches: Slice the gammon and serve it on crusty bread with mustard, pickles, and cheese for a satisfying sandwich.
• Gammon Hash: Dice the gammon and combine it with potatoes, onions, and peppers for a hearty and flavorful hash.

The Verdict: A Matter of Preference

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add water to your slow cooker gammon is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you. Remember, the goal is to create a tender, flavorful, and moist gammon that will impress your guests.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I add other liquids besides water?

Yes, you can use other liquids like apple juice, orange juice, or even beer to add flavor to your gammon. Just be mindful that these liquids will contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

2. How long should I cook gammon in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for gammon in a slow cooker varies depending on the size and thickness of the gammon. Generally, a gammon weighing 2-3 pounds will take 6-8 hours on low heat.

3. Can I cook gammon in the slow cooker from frozen?

It’s not recommended to cook gammon from frozen in the slow cooker. The gammon might not cook evenly and could result in a tough texture. It’s best to thaw the gammon completely before cooking.

4. What can I do with the leftover gammon?

Leftover gammon can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, soups, or even breakfast hash. You can also slice it thinly and freeze it for later use.

5. Is gammon healthy?

Gammon is a cured meat and therefore contains a high amount of sodium. It’s best to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.