My three kids love ham sandwiches (like most kids) so instead of buying packs of sliced ham in the shops which is full of water, preservatives and additives, we buy a ham joint and cook it ourselves. It's really easy to do, cost effective and you get some fab stock out it that you can use for making risottos or soups.
I recommend buying a smoked ham joint if you can as it will naturally last longer due to the smoking process.
AuthorDebbieCategoryBreakfast, Dinner, Lunch, School LunchesDifficultyBeginnerMake your own ham for sandwiches rather than using the additive-filled, shop bought already cooked ham.
Rinse the ham joint and place it in a saucepan full of cold water (make sure the ham joint is covered)
Peel the carrots
Peel the onions and chop them in half
Wash and chop the leeks in large chunks
Drop in the peppercorns and bay leaves
Bring the water to the boil
As it gets to the boil pour off the water, being careful not to lose the ingredients, add fresh cold water and bring back to the boil again - this helps reduce the salt
Boil gently for 90 mins
Drain water off into bowl to cool and freeze for use another time
Lift the ham into a bowl and place upside down plate on top
Now place heavy books on top to force any water out of the ham while it cools
Leave for a few hours
Remove any fat from outside
Wrap in clingfilm and store in fridge for up to a week
Slice when needed
The kids can help out too by preparing the vegetables that sit in the water while the ham cooks because they don't need to be chopped finely, big chunks will do here.
Serving Suggestions
- This ham can be used for sandwiches (great with some brown sauce)
- Great sliced and cold for breakfast (with brown sauce again)
- Can be used a Pizza topping
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse the ham joint and place it in a saucepan full of cold water (make sure the ham joint is covered)
Peel the carrots
Peel the onions and chop them in half
Wash and chop the leeks in large chunks
Drop in the peppercorns and bay leaves
Bring the water to the boil
As it gets to the boil pour off the water, being careful not to lose the ingredients, add fresh cold water and bring back to the boil again - this helps reduce the salt
Boil gently for 90 mins
Drain water off into bowl to cool and freeze for use another time
Lift the ham into a bowl and place upside down plate on top
Now place heavy books on top to force any water out of the ham while it cools
Leave for a few hours
Remove any fat from outside
Wrap in clingfilm and store in fridge for up to a week
Slice when needed
