What to Serve with Gammon Joint
Preparing a delicious gammon joint is always a crowd-pleaser, but finding the perfect accompaniments can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, as we’ll guide you through some tasty side dishes that will complement your gammon and transform your meal into a memorable feast.
Consider some traditional options, like roasted or mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a simple side salad., like roasted or mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a simple side salad. These classics never go out of style and are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, plenty of exciting alternatives can elevate your meal to the next level.
From savoury to sweet, light to indulgent, we’ll explore a variety of flavour profiles and textures that will perfectly suit your gammon joint. Whether for a cosy family dinner or a special occasion, these delightful side dishes will shine your main event and leave everyone asking for seconds.
What Is Gammon Joint?
Gammon is a popular British dish that is enjoyed by many. It is made from the hind leg of a pig cured like a ham. So what sets gammon apart from your regular ham? The primary difference lies in how the two are cooked. While ham is traditionally baked or grilled after curing, gammon undergoes boiling or roasting for added flavour.
Your choice of seasoning for the gammon joint can vary based on your preferences. A popular cooking method for preparing a delicious dish is to simmer the joint in a mix of water and spices, then roast it in the oven. This combination helps to retain its moisture and results in a tender, flavourful entree. Your choice of seasoning for the gammon joint can vary based on your preferences.
When it comes to serving a gammon joint, the possibilities are endless. The key is to pair it with accompaniments that complement the rich, meaty flavours of the dish. To help you make the perfect meal, consider the following:
- Vegetables – Try roasted or steamed veggies such as green beans, peas, or carrots for a colourful and nutritious side dish.
- Potatoes – Mashed or roasted potatoes work well with gammon, offering a delightful contrast to its texture.
- Sauces – A sweet or tangy sauce like apple sauce, mustard, or honey glaze can be a lovely addition to enhance the dish’s flavour.
- Salads – A fresh, seasonal salad adds a burst of freshness to your meal and helps cut through the richness of the gammon joint.
Feel free to get creative when planning your sides, ensuring that your chosen accompaniments balance and highlight the main star of the meal – the gammon joint.
Classic Side Dishes
When preparing a delicious gammon joint, many people serve it with classic side dishes. Here are some tasty options:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a popular choice with gammon joint, adding colour and texture to your plate. You can mix your favourite veggies or consider some traditional British vegetables:
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Brussels sprouts
- Butternut squash
Toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for about 40 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised.
Mashed Potatoes
Perfectly creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes are an all-time favourite accompaniment to gammon joint. To make delicious mashed potatoes, you’ll need the following:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1kg |
| Butter | 100g |
| Milk | 150ml |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
After boiling your potatoes, drain them well and mash them using a potato masher or ricer. Warm milk and melted butter, then add it to the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy before serving.
Peas and Broad Beans
For a lighter and fresher side, peas and broad beans are a great addition to your gammon joint meal:
- 200g shelled peas
- 200g shelled broad beans
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp butter
Blanch peas and broad beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and shock in cold water to retain their vibrant green colour. In a pan, melt butter and cook the peas and beans until heated through. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint and serve.
Sauces and Accompaniments
When it comes to serving gammon joint, an array of tasty sauces and accompaniments can elevate your meal to a new level. Here are a few popular options for you to try.
Parsley Sauce
Parsley sauce is a classic British sauce that pairs wonderfully with gammon joint. To make this simple yet flavoursome sauce, you’ll need:
- 25g butter
- 25g plain flour
- 425ml whole milk
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until you have a creamy sauce. Add the parsley, salt, and pepper, and simmer for a few minutes. Serve alongside your gammon joint for an authentic taste.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is another crowd-pleaser when it comes to gammon joint accompaniments. Its sweet-tart flavour complements the saltiness of the gammon perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 50g sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Combine the apples, sugar, and water in a saucepan, and cook over low heat until the apples are soft and mushy. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warming touch, if desired. Once the apple sauce reaches your desired consistency, serve it alongside your gammon for a delightful contrast of flavours.
Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is a hearty and colourful accompaniment to gammon joint. The tangy, slightly sweet flavour of the cabbage will balance the meat’s richness. To prepare this dish, you’ll need:
- 1 small red cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cooking apple, peeled, cored, and grated
- 50ml red wine vinegar
- 75g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Melt the butter and sauté the onion in a large saucepan until softened. Add the cabbage, apple, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, and stir well to combine. Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. Serve hot alongside your gammon joint for a tasty and visually appealing side dish.
Creative Side Dish Ideas
When preparing a delicious gammon joint, it’s essential to choose sides that perfectly complement the flavours of the meat. This section will explore some creative and tasty side dish ideas that will elevate your meal to new heights.
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Dauphinoise potatoes are a classic French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. This creamy, indulgent side dish pairs wonderfully with the salty flavours of gammon.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
- Slice 800g of potatoes thinly and layer them in a baking dish.
- Pour a mixture of 300ml double cream, 200ml milk, and 2 crushed garlic cloves over the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 1 hour.
- Once potatoes are tender, sprinkle 100g of grated cheese on top and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Sweet Potato Mash
A side of sweet potato mash brings natural sweetness and vibrant colour to contrast the rich flavours of gammon. Here’s a quick recipe:
- Cook 4 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut) in boiling water until soft, about 20 minutes.
- Drain well and return to the pan.
- Add 50g of butter and a splash of milk, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Mash until smooth, then serve.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a great vegetable side, with a slightly smoky taste that complements the gammon beautifully. To prepare:
| 1. | Preheat the grill or griddle pan. |
| 2. | Toss 300g of trimmed asparagus in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. |
| 3. | Grill for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred. |
Choose one or more of these creative side dishes to serve with your gammon joint and enjoy a mouth-watering meal with your loved ones.
Serving Recommendations
When preparing a delicious gammon joint, it’s important to consider what you’ll serve alongside it to make your meal complete. Let’s look at some serving suggestions for different types of gatherings.
Family Dinners
For casual family dinners, you’ll want to serve sides that are quick and easy to prepare while also being loved by everyone. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Yorkshire puddings
- Apple sauce or honey mustard
Dinner Parties
When hosting a dinner party, stepping things up a notch with more adventurous or sophisticated side dishes is always lovely. Impress your guests with any of these options:
- Dauphinoise potatoes
- Buttered leeks
- Cauliflower cheese
- Red cabbage with apple and balsamic vinegar
Alternative Roasts
If you want to roast your gammon joint with a twist, try incorporating some alternative side dishes to elevate your meal. These ideas will add a unique flavour to your roast:
- Roasted butternut squash with rosemary
- Sweet potato mash with a hint of cumin
- Grilled courgettes with garlic and lemon juice
- Quinoa salad with roasted Mediterranean vegetables
All of these side dish ideas would work just as well with gammon steaks as they do with a joint of gammon.
