Sizzling & Savory: Delicious Gammon Recipes to Try Today
Gammon is a type of pork that is cured like ham but is not smoked. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially in the UK, where it is often associated with festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. Gammon can be cooked in many ways, from boiling and frying to baking and roasting, depending on the recipe and the desired result.
In this article, we will share some delicious gammon recipes to try today, along with their health benefits and some FAQs about gammon.
Health Benefits of Gammon
Gammon is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Here are some of its health benefits:
1. High in Protein
Gammon is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and tissues. A 100-gram serving of gammon provides around 28 grams of protein, making it a great choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone who wants to increase their protein intake.
2. Low in Fat
Gammon is relatively low in fat compared to other meats, such as beef and lamb. A 100-gram serving of gammon contains around 2.5 grams of fat, of which only 0.9 grams are saturated. This makes gammon a healthier option for people who are watching their fat intake.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Gammon is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, thiamin, and niacin. Iron is vital for the production of red blood cells, while zinc helps to support a healthy immune system. Thiamin and niacin are essential for energy production and brain function.
Sizzling & Savory: Delicious Gammon Recipes to Try Today
1. Gammon Steak with Pineapple
This classic recipe combines the salty flavor of gammon with the sweetness of pineapple for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 gammon steaks
– 4 slices of fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Season the gammon steaks with salt and pepper, then fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
4. Transfer the gammon steaks to a baking dish and place a slice of pineapple on top of each one.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the pineapple slices.
6. Bake the gammon steaks and pineapple in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the pineapple is caramelized and the gammon is cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
2. Gammon and Cheese Omelette
This quick and easy recipe makes a delicious breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 50g of diced gammon
– 50g of grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat.
3. Add the diced gammon to the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is browned.
4. Pour the beaten eggs over the gammon and cook for 2-3 minutes until the omelette is set.
5. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the omelette and place it under the grill for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Garnish with chives and serve hot.
3. Gammon and Pea Risotto
This hearty and nutritious risotto makes a great one-pot meal that is packed with flavor and goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 250g of arborio rice
– 150g of diced gammon
– 150g of frozen peas
– 1 liter of vegetable stock
– 50g of grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
3. Add the gammon and rice to the saucepan and stir well.
4. Pour in a ladleful of vegetable stock and stir until it is absorbed into the rice.
5. Continue adding the stock one ladleful at a time and stirring until it is absorbed, until the rice is cooked through (this should take around 20-25 minutes).
6. Add the peas to the risotto and stir well.
7. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
FAQs about Gammon
1. Is gammon the same as ham?
Gammon and ham are both cuts of pork that have been cured, but gammon is usually not smoked, while ham is.
2. Is gammon healthy?
Yes, gammon is a healthy source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is relatively low in fat compared to other meats.
3. Can you eat gammon cold?
Yes, gammon can be eaten cold or hot, depending on your preference.
4. How do you store gammon?
Fresh gammon should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few days. Cooked gammon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Gammon is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that is versatile and easy to cook. By trying these recipes and experimenting with different techniques and flavors, you can enjoy the sizzling and savory taste of gammon all year round.
