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How to Cook Aldi Gammon Joint
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will give your gammon joint enough time to roast to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Gammon Joint
Remove the gammon joint from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the glaze adhere better. Place the gammon joint in a roasting tray.
If your gammon joint is wrapped in a skin or netting, remove it at this point. The skin is usually removed during the cooking process, so it’s optional to leave it on or off depending on your preference.
Optional: If your gammon joint is not pre-soaked, you can soak it in water overnight to reduce the saltiness. However, Aldi’s gammon joints are often ready to cook, and soaking is not necessary.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the halved onion, crushed garlic cloves, and bay leaves around the joint in the roasting pan. These will infuse the gammon with aromatic flavors as it cooks. Pour about 1 cup of water or stock into the base of the pan, which will help keep the gammon moist while cooking.
Step 4: Roast the Gammon Joint
Place the gammon joint in the preheated oven and roast it for about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the joint. For every 500g of gammon, you should cook it for about 30 minutes.
Baste the joint every 20-30 minutes by spooning some of the juices from the pan over the meat. This helps keep it moist and enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Glaze the Gammon
Once your gammon joint is cooked and tender, it’s time to add the glaze! To make the glaze, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
Brush the glaze generously over the top of the gammon joint about 15-20 minutes before the cooking time is finished. Return the joint to the oven and roast until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
This gives the gammon a beautiful, glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the savory meat.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once your gammon joint is golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
Slice the gammon against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Roast potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a simple green salad all pair wonderfully with gammon.
Tips for the Best Aldi Gammon Joint
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting helps keep the gammon moist and ensures that it’s perfectly tender. Don’t be afraid to baste it every 20 minutes or so during the roasting process.
- Customize Your Glaze: The glaze is your chance to get creative! Add a little clove, orange zest, or even a touch of whiskey to the glaze to elevate the flavors.
- Rest Before Slicing: Letting the gammon rest before slicing it is key to keeping it juicy. If you slice it too soon, the juices will run out, and the meat could be dry.
- Cook It Low and Slow: If you prefer a more tender result, you can cook the gammon joint on a lower temperature (around 160°C/320°F) for a longer period (about 2 hours) to slowly render the fat and make the meat even more succulent.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover gammon, it makes great sandwiches, can be chopped into soups, or added to salads. Gammon leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why Aldi Gammon Joint is Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re planning a family meal, a festive holiday dinner, or a Sunday roast, Aldi’s Gammon Joint is a great choice. It’s an affordable, flavorful option that makes a hearty centerpiece for any meal. With its simple preparation, versatility, and delicious taste, Aldi’s gammon joint can be enjoyed any time of year—whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive holiday feast.
The combination of crispy edges, tender meat, and sweet-savory glaze makes this Aldi Gammon Joint recipe a winner every time. So, next time you’re at Aldi, pick up a gammon joint, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
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