The Art of Cooking Salty Country Ham: A Guide for Gourmet Delights

Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, learning how to cook salty country ham opens up a world of culinary possibilities. This ham is not only flavorful but also tender, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions or everyday meals. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect result every time.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

Salty country ham Clean cold water Olive oil or other cooking oil (optional) Spices, herbs, or glaze (brown sugar, honey, mustard, apricot jam, brown sugar, grey poupon, and tabasco, if using)

Method for Best Results

Cooking salty country ham requires a few key steps to ensure that it retains its natural flavors without becoming overly salty. Here’s a method you can follow:

Soaking the Ham

Slightly salty country hams may need to be soaked to remove excess salt. Consider the following methods:

Overnight Soak: If the ham is very salty, soak it in water for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Change the water a few times to help draw out some of the salt. Quick Soak: If you are short on time, soak the ham for a few hours, changing the water every hour.

Preparing for Cooking

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from the water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Scoring the Ham

Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate and adds a nice presentation.

Cooking the Ham

Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Add water to the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist. You can also add herbs or spices to the water for extra flavor. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if it is pre-cooked. Glaze (Optional): Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Brush the glaze over the ham and return it to the oven uncovered. This will caramelize the glaze.

Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your cooked ham with traditional sides such as collard greens, cornbread, or sweet potatoes for a complete, delicious meal.

Tips and Variations

Always taste a small piece before serving to ensure it’s not too salty. Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. For a quick and easy method, try Jacques Pepin’s recipe: Lay out the ham on a greased broiling pan, cover the top with a mixture of apricot jam, brown sugar, grey poupon, and tabasco, and broil until the top starts to bubble and turn brown. Be careful not to burn it.

Enjoy your delicious salty country ham from your very own kitchen! Whether you choose to follow a traditional method or experiment with new flavors, you are sure to delight your taste buds with this versatile and flavorful delicacy.