Are you looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your ham dinner? This sweet and savory ham sauce with pineapple is the perfect answer! It's bursting with tropical flavors that complement the richness of the ham beautifully, transforming a simple meal into a delicious culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a taste of something truly special. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both impressive and effortless. Get ready to discover one of the best recipes for a truly unforgettable ham dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the drained pineapple chunks, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 2: Simmering the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor will become.
Step 3: Adding the Butter
Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Slowly whisk in the cold butter, one cube at a time, until it's fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to let the sauce boil at this stage.
Step 4: Serving the Ham Sauce
Remove the sauce from the heat and taste for seasoning. If desired, add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, or soy sauce for saltiness. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve the sauce warm over your favorite ham, whether it's baked, grilled, or leftover.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: You can puree the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender after simmering.
- Add some spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
- Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer fresh pineapple, substitute about 2 cups of diced pineapple for the canned pineapple. You may need to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Glaze it: This sauce also makes a fantastic glaze for ham. Simply brush it over the ham during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-9g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious ham sauce with pineapple is a perfect addition to your next meal. Its quick preparation time and incredible flavor make it a true winner, whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner. Enjoy!