Ham Raisin Sauce
A sweet and tangy raisin sauce with warm spices, perfect for enhancing the flavor of ham and suitable for festive or casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil raisins and water for 5 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients (brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ground cloves, dry mustard, salt) and add to raisins and water.
- Continue cooking on medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add vinegar to the sauce.
- Stir well to combine.
- Serve hot on ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest along with the vinegar. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but be sure to dissolve it in cold water before adding to avoid clumps. If you can't find ground cloves, allspice can work as a substitute. This sauce is great not just on ham but also on roasted chicken or pork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham raisin sauce hot over sliced ham for a delightful flavor combination. It pairs beautifully with sides like Cross-Patch Potatoes or steamed green beans. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing 24-Hour Cuke Salad to balance the richness of the ham.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Raisin Sauce contains roughly 503 calories, with 2g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1569mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of raisins for this recipe?
Yes, you can use golden raisins or sultanas for a slightly different flavor and color. Each type of raisin will bring its own sweetness and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How long can I keep the sauce in the fridge?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure it is in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard it.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
While the original recipe contains vinegar, which is vegan, the sauce itself is often served over ham, making it not suitable for strict vegan diets. However, you could create a vegan version by using vegetable broth instead of water and serving it over a plant-based protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).