Old Ham
Old Ham is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender, slow-cooked ham glazed with spices, brown sugar, and vinegar, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim well and scrub the ham clean.
- Soak the ham overnight in cold water to cover.
- Put the ham in fresh water, bring to a boil, and pour off the water.
- Repeat if the ham is very old and salty.
- With the fat side up, bring the ham slowly to boiling and simmer for an hour or more.
- Add the brown sugar, mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, paprika, peppercorn, and vinegar.
- Pour this mixture all over the ham.
- Turn the ham fat side down and simmer about an hour.
- Turn it over again and cook until the skin blisters or the ham is tender, which may take an additional 4 or 5 hours depending on size.
- Let the ham stand overnight in the water in which it was cooked.
- Remove the skin, then sprinkle with bread crumbs, a little brown sugar, and paprika.
- Brown in the oven.
- Remove from the oven, score, and stick with whole cloves.
- Cool thoroughly before slicing thin.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the ham is well-trimmed and scrubbed to remove any impurities. Soaking the ham overnight helps reduce saltiness, especially if it's particularly old. If you don’t have whole cloves, ground cloves can be used as a substitute, but the presentation will differ. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a little honey to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or baked beans. A side of cornbread would also complement the dish well. Consider offering a tangy mustard or apple chutney for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also use leftover ham in soups or sandwiches for a delicious meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Ham contains roughly 290 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), and iron (90% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but the flavor will be less rich. You might consider adding a bit of molasses to mimic the depth of brown sugar. Adjust the quantity to maintain the right sweetness in your glaze.
Is it necessary to soak the ham overnight?
Soaking the ham overnight is recommended, especially if it's very salty. This process helps to draw out excess salt and can improve the flavor significantly. If you're short on time, you can soak it for a few hours, but overnight is best for optimal results.
How can I tell when the ham is done cooking?
The ham is done when the skin has blistered and the meat is tender. A meat thermometer should read at least 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. If you're unsure, it's better to cook it longer on low heat to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked without drying out.
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).