Raisin Sauce For Hams
A sweet and tangy raisin sauce with warm spices, perfect for enhancing the flavor of ham and suitable for festive or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil raisins in water for about 5 minutes.
- Add brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and dry mustard to the raisins.
- Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Blend in vinegar.
- Serve hot over ham.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist. If you're out of brown sugar, a mix of white sugar and molasses can be a great substitute. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but be mindful of the cooking time to prevent over-thickening. This sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious raisin sauce hot over sliced ham for a delightful contrast of flavors. It also pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mary Ellen's Supper Rolls for a comforting touch. A refreshing glass of Aram's Smile: Ice Tea would complement this dish wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover raisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can create hot spots that alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Sauce For Hams contains roughly 513 calories, with 2g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% 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 dried fruit in this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like currants, chopped apricots, or cranberries for a unique twist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the fruits vary in size or moisture content, ensuring they soften and blend well with the other ingredients.
Is this raisin sauce suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. However, if you're looking for a vegan option, simply ensure that the sugar used is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a sugar alternative like agave syrup or honey. Additionally, increasing the vinegar slightly can enhance the tanginess, balancing the sweetness.
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).