Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a truly flavourful and comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Then look no further! This gammon shank slow cooker recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of deliciousness and convenience, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend feast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably tender and juicy gammon, bursting with flavour. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 1.5kg gammon shank, bone-in
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500ml apple juice
- 200ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the gammon: Rinse the gammon shank under cold water and pat it dry. Score the fat on the top of the gammon in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the gammon to cook more evenly and allows for better flavour penetration. Season generously with salt and pepper.
-
Layer the slow cooker: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic on top of the vegetables.
-
Add the gammon and liquids: Place the seasoned gammon shank on top of the vegetables. Pour the apple juice and chicken stock around the gammon. Stir in the wholegrain mustard, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaf.
-
Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the gammon is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
-
Rest and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the gammon shank from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful gammon. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can then either serve the gammon as is or shred it. The cooking liquid can be used as a delicious gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Gammon:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space around the gammon to allow for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your gammon shank and your slow cooker. Check for tenderness with a fork before serving.
- Make a glaze: For an extra layer of flavour, brush the gammon with a honey or maple syrup glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use leftover cooking liquid: The delicious cooking liquid can be strained and used as a base for a hearty soup or gravy.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce for a spicier gammon.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the cooking liquid for a bright and refreshing flavour.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or juniper berries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This gammon shank slow cooker recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both simple and satisfying. Enjoy this easy recipe and the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen!