Description
Mary Berry’s Orange-Glazed Ham features a tender, slow-cooked ham joint finished with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. The glaze, made with fresh orange juice, honey, and warming spices, gives the ham a glossy, caramelized exterior. It’s a dish that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- Ham Joint (2-3kg, unsmoked or smoked): Choose bone-in or boneless as preferred.
- Water (enough to cover): For boiling the ham.
- Bay Leaves (2): Adds subtle flavor to the cooking liquid.
- Peppercorns (1 tsp): Enhances the ham’s flavor during cooking.
For the Glaze
- Fresh Orange Juice (150ml): Adds tangy citrus flavor.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Sweetens and caramelizes the glaze.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of tangy sharpness.
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Cloves (optional, for decoration): Adds a festive touch and warm flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and cook the ham
- Place the ham joint in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes per 500g, or until tender.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the pot and let it cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Heat gently, whisking continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Score the ham
- Remove the skin from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern. If desired, press a clove into each diamond for decoration.
Step 4: Glaze and roast the ham
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush generously with the orange glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with additional glaze, until the ham is golden and caramelized.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh orange slices if desired.