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December 10, 2024
Country ham is a delicious and flavorful type of ham that has been dry-cured and aged for an extended period. It is a popular dish in the southern United States and is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a savory addition to a meal. While there are many ways to prepare country ham slices, one unique method is to cook them in Coke.
Yes, you read that correctly – Coke! The carbonated beverage may seem like an unconventional cooking ingredient, but it adds a touch of sweetness and helps to tenderize the ham slices. This cooking method creates a delectable caramelized glaze that pairs perfectly with the salty, smoky flavor of the ham.
To cook country ham slices in Coke, all you need are a few simple ingredients and a skillet. Begin by heating the skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ham slices. Let them sizzle and brown on each side for a few minutes to enhance their flavor. Next, pour in enough Coke to cover the bottom of the skillet. The bubbles will start to fizz and the liquid will begin to reduce.
As the Coke reduces, the sugars in the beverage will start to caramelize, creating a sticky glaze that coats the ham slices. Continue cooking the ham for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even caramelization on both sides. The result is a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.
So, next time you’re looking to try something new with your country ham slices, give this recipe a try. Cooking them in Coke may sound unusual, but it’s a delicious twist that will take your ham to a whole new level. Serve the ham slices with a side of biscuits and gravy or pair them with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast option. No matter how you enjoy them, these Coke-cooked country ham slices are sure to satisfy.
Preparing Country Ham
Preparing country ham involves a few simple steps to ensure that the meat is flavorful and tender. Follow these instructions to prepare country ham slices:
| Step 1: | Rinse the country ham slices under cold running water to remove any excess salt. |
| Step 2: | Place the ham slices in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 4-6 hours, changing the water every hour. |
| Step 3: | After soaking, drain the water and refill the pot with fresh water. Add some spices and herbs, such as bay leaves, garlic, and black peppercorns, to enhance the flavor of the ham. |
| Step 4: | Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the ham slices for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). |
| Step 5: | Once cooked, remove the ham slices from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. |
By following these steps, you can easily prepare country ham slices that are tender, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed!
Cleaning and Soaking
Before cooking your country ham slices in coke, it’s important to properly clean and soak them to remove excess saltiness. Follow these steps to prepare your ham slices:
1. Rinse the ham slices: Start by rinsing the ham slices under cold water to remove any surface salt and impurities. This will help to reduce the overall saltiness of the ham.
2. Soak the ham slices: Place the ham slices in a large container or bowl and cover them with cold water. Let the ham slices soak for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. This will further help to remove excess salt and tenderize the meat.
3. Change the water: After the initial soaking period, discard the water and refill the container with fresh cold water. Let the ham slices soak for an additional 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. This step will further reduce the saltiness of the ham.
4. Rinse the ham slices again: Once the soaking process is complete, remove the ham slices from the water and rinse them again under cold running water. This final rinse will ensure that any remaining salt and impurities are washed away.
Note: If you prefer a less salty ham, you can increase the soaking time or even boil the ham slices before cooking them in coke.
Brining Process
Before cooking country ham slices in coke, it is essential to brine the ham to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Brining is a process that involves soaking the ham in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
Ingredients for the Brine:
– 4 cups of water
– 1 cup of kosher salt
– 1 cup of white sugar
– 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 tablespoon of juniper berries
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the kosher salt and white sugar, and stir until dissolved.
2. Once the salt and sugar are dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and add the black peppercorns, whole cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and juniper berries.
3. Stir the brine mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Let the brine cool to room temperature. This may take about 1 hour.
5. Once the brine has cooled, place the ham slices in a large sealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container.
6. Pour the brine over the ham slices, making sure they are completely submerged. If needed, you can add additional cold water to cover the ham.
7. Seal the bag tightly or cover the container with a lid.
8. Refrigerate the ham slices in the brine for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours for a stronger flavor.
9. After the brining process is complete, remove the ham slices from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. The ham slices are now ready to be cooked in coke.
Seasoning and Cooking
Before cooking your country ham slices in coke, it’s important to season them properly to enhance their flavor.
To season the ham slices, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any excess moisture on the surface. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of black pepper all over the slices. The pepper will add a nice kick to the ham and complement the sweetness of the coke. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika, depending on your personal preference.
To cook the ham slices, you will need a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned ham slices in the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned.
Once the ham slices are browned, pour in the coke. The coke will create a flavorful glaze and help tenderize the ham. Reduce the heat to low and let the ham slices simmer in the coke for about 20-30 minutes. Be sure to flip the slices occasionally to ensure even cooking.
After simmering, the coke will have reduced and formed a thick syrupy glaze. Carefully remove the ham slices from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
The cooked country ham slices in coke can be served as a main dish or used as a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, or breakfast dishes. The combination of the sweet coke glaze and flavorful seasoning will create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Enjoy your homemade country ham slices in coke!
Using Coke in the Recipe
Using Coca-Cola in the recipe adds a unique twist to cooking country ham slices. The sweet and tangy flavor of the soda enhances the taste of the ham, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress.
Why use Coke?
Coke, with its combination of carbonation, sweetness, and acidity, helps to tenderize the ham and infuse it with a delightful flavor. The caramelized sugars in the soda also create a delicious glaze on the ham slices, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the overall dish.
Steps for using Coke in the recipe:
- Start by marinating the country ham slices in a mixture of Coke and other flavorful ingredients. This step allows the ham to absorb the flavors and enhances its taste.
- Next, preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish. Place the marinated ham slices in the dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the ham slices, ensuring that each slice is coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the ham slices to bake for a specified amount of time, based on the recipe you are following.
- After the initial baking time, remove the foil and baste the ham slices with the juices in the baking dish. This process helps to keep the meat moist and enhances the flavor.
- Continue baking the ham slices until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The Coke will have helped to create a caramelized glaze on the surface of the ham, adding a beautiful golden color.
- Once cooked, remove the ham slices from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Using Coke in cooking country ham slices is a creative way to elevate the flavor profile of this classic dish. The combination of cola and ham creates a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy taste that is truly irresistible. Give it a try and enjoy a unique and delicious culinary experience!
FAQ
What is country ham?
Country ham is a type of cured ham that is typically made from the hindquarters of a pig. It is dry-cured with salt, sugar, and other seasonings, and then aged for several months to develop its distinctive flavor.
What is the benefit of cooking country ham slices in coke?
Cooking country ham slices in coke helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with a slightly sweet and caramelized flavor. The coke also adds moisture to the meat, preventing it from drying out during cooking.
Can I use any type of coke to cook country ham slices?
Yes, you can use any type of coke to cook country ham slices. The sweetness and carbonation of the coke will help to tenderize and flavor the ham.
How long should I cook country ham slices in coke?
You should cook country ham slices in coke for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the ham slices.
Can I substitute coke with another carbonated beverage?
Yes, you can substitute coke with another carbonated beverage, such as ginger ale or root beer. These beverages will provide similar tenderizing and flavor-enhancing effects to the meat.