How to Make a Delicious Caribbean-Style Glazed Ham
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving tables is the glorious ham. But why stick to the traditional when you can elevate your holiday feast with a Caribbean twist?
This year, ditch the ordinary and infuse your ham with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. Imagine a Caribbean glazed ham glazed with a sweet and spicy pineapple-mango sauce, infused with warm spices like allspice and cloves. It’s a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a show-stopping ham that’s perfect for any Thanksgiving gathering. So, let’s dive into the world of Caribbean flavors and discover how to make a ham that’s truly unforgettable.
Why a Caribbean Glazed Ham?
The Caribbean is known for its bold and beautiful flavors, which are a perfect match for the richness of ham. Fruits like pineapple and mango add sweetness and tang, while a touch of rum or allspice brings warmth and complexity.
Choosing the Perfect Ham for Your Thanksgiving Feast
A succulent, glazed ham can be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. Selecting the right ham is crucial to ensure a delicious and impressive dish. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect ham for your holiday feast:
Pre-Cooked or Fresh?
- Pre-cooked hams are convenient and require minimal preparation. They’re perfect for those who want a hassle-free option.
- Fresh hams offer a richer flavor and allow for more customization, but they require more cooking time and preparation.
Bone-In or Boneless?
- Bone-in hams are juicier and add a traditional touch to your meal.
- Boneless hams are easier to carve and serve.
Size and Yield
Consider the number of guests you’re serving. A general rule of thumb is:
- Bone-in ham: 3/4 pound per person
- Boneless ham: 1/2 pound per person
Shank End or Butt End?
- Shank end: More fat, easier to slice
- Butt end: Leaner, trickier to cut
Ultimately, the choice between the shank and butt end is a matter of personal preference.
Additional Tips
- Avoid pre-glazed hams: Opt for a plain ham and create your own homemade glaze for a more flavorful and customizable experience.
- Score the ham: Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Choose a quality ham: Look for a ham with minimal additives and preservatives.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect ham to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
The ingredient for the Glazed Ham
- Pre-cooked bone-in ham (7-8 pounds): The base of this delicious dish.
- For the Brine:
- Water: Used to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Kosher salt: Adds flavor and helps to preserve the ham.
- Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds sweetness.
- Bay leaves: Provide a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Black peppercorns: Add a touch of spice.
- For the Glaze:
- Brown sugar: A classic ingredient for a sweet and sticky glaze.
- Pineapple juice: Adds tropical sweetness and acidity.
- Mango nectar: Contributes a fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
- Dark rum (optional): Adds depth of flavor and a hint of warmth.
- Garlic: Provides a savory and slightly pungent flavor.
- Allspice berries: Offer a warm, spicy flavor.
- Ground ginger: Adds a slightly spicy and earthy flavor.
- Ground cloves: Contribute a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Lime juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a citrusy tang.
- NouBess Hot and Spicy Sauce: A flavorful addition to enhance the taste of the ham.
A Caribbean Glazed Ham Feast: A Flavorful Guide
A Caribbean Glazed Ham is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Here’s a detailed guide to creating this culinary masterpiece:
Preparing the Ham
Soaking the Ham:
- Why Soak? Soaking the ham in water helps to remove excess salt, especially if you’re using a heavily cured or smoked ham.
- Soaking Method: Submerge the ham in cold water, ensuring it’s completely covered. Let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 8 hours.
Boiling the Ham
- Flavorful Broth: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the soaked ham, along with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves.
- Spice Infusion: Season the broth with a blend of Caribbean spices such as allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of hot pepper.
- Simmering Perfection: Simmer the ham covered for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
- Broth Magic: The flavorful broth can be used as a base for soups, sauces, or rice dishes.
Glazing and Roasting
- Sweet and Savory Glaze: Prepare a glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a touch of rum or dark rum.
- Basting: Baste the ham with the glaze every 15-20 minutes during roasting.
- Roasting: Roast the ham in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Serving Suggestions for the Glazed Ham
- Tropical Pairing: Serve the ham with a side of roasted pineapple rings and a tropical fruit salad.
- Caribbean Rice: Accompany the ham with a side of flavorful Caribbean rice, such as coconut rice or rice and peas.
- Vibrant Vegetables: A colorful vegetable medley, such as roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans, perfectly complements the ham.
By following these steps and incorporating the rich flavors of the Caribbean, you can create a truly unforgettable ham dish. Enjoy!
Caribbean-Inspired Glazed Ham
Equipment
- Large stockpot or container for brining
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Basting brush
- Large spoon
Ingredients
- 1 7-8 pound pre-cooked bone-in ham
- For the Brine:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup mango nectar
- 1/4 cup dark rum optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
Brining the Ham (Optional):
- Prepare the Brine: In a large stockpot, combine water, salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then let it cool completely.
- Brine the Ham: Submerge the ham in the cooled brine, ensuring it's completely covered. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
Glazing and Roasting the Ham:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the Ham: Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, mango nectar, rum (if using), garlic, allspice berries, ginger, cloves, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Glaze and Bake: Place the ham in a roasting pan. Brush the ham generously with the cooled glaze. Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for about 1 ½ hours.
- Baste and Brown: After 1 ½ hours, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden brown and bubbly. Baste the ham occasionally during this time.
Serving
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
