Gammon, that succulent, cured pork delight, often graces dinner tables during festive occasions and Sunday roasts. But the question remains: can you have gravy with gammon? The answer, in short, is a resounding yes! However, it’s not quite as simple as slapping any old gravy on your plate. The key lies in understanding the flavor profile of gammon and choosing a gravy that complements, rather than clashes with, its inherent saltiness and subtle sweetness. This comprehensive guide will explore the art of pairing gravy with gammon, covering everything from gravy types to serving suggestions.
Understanding Gammon’s Flavor Profile
Before diving into gravy pairings, let’s appreciate the nuances of gammon itself. Gammon is essentially pork that has been cured through salting, brining, or smoking. This process gives it a distinctive salty flavor, which is further enhanced when it’s cooked. The cooking method – whether boiled, baked, or roasted – also plays a crucial role in shaping the final taste. Baking or roasting often results in a caramelized, slightly sweet exterior, while boiling can create a more tender and moist, albeit less intensely flavored, result.
The curing process contributes significantly to gammon’s unique character. Different curing methods use varying levels of salt and sometimes incorporate spices or sweeteners, leading to subtle variations in flavor. For example, some gammon might have a slightly smoky undertone, while others might be sweeter due to the addition of brown sugar or molasses during the curing process.
Understanding these flavor characteristics is paramount when selecting the perfect gravy. You’re aiming for a harmonious balance, not an overwhelming salt explosion or a confusing mishmash of flavors.
The Art of Gravy Pairing: Finding the Perfect Match
The best gravy for gammon is one that balances its saltiness and enhances its subtle sweetness. This usually means opting for gravies that are not overly salty themselves and have a hint of sweetness or acidity to cut through the richness of the pork.
Gravies to Complement Gammon’s Sweetness
Several gravy options work beautifully by complementing the inherent sweetness of gammon, especially if it has been roasted with a glaze.
Apple Gravy: A Classic Combination
Apple gravy is a particularly excellent choice. The tartness of the apples provides a welcome counterpoint to the salty gammon, while the subtle sweetness enhances its overall flavor. It’s a traditional pairing that has stood the test of time for good reason.
To make apple gravy, you can start with a base of pan drippings from the roasted gammon (be sure to skim off excess fat). Add some chopped apples (Bramley apples are a good choice), sauté them until softened, then deglaze the pan with apple cider or apple juice. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry and season to taste.
Maple Gravy: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Maple gravy offers another delightful sweet and savory option. The distinct flavor of maple syrup adds a rich depth to the gravy, perfectly complementing the salty gammon.
To make maple gravy, start with a roux of butter and flour. Slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, then add maple syrup to taste. A touch of Dijon mustard can add a pleasant tanginess. Season with salt and pepper.
Cherry Gravy: A Festive Twist
For a more festive touch, consider cherry gravy. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of cherries pairs wonderfully with gammon, adding a burst of color and complexity to the dish.
To make cherry gravy, sauté some shallots in butter until softened. Add pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), red wine, and chicken broth. Simmer until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. You can add a touch of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Gravies to Cut Through Gammon’s Saltiness
Other gravies are great for cutting through some of the inherent saltiness of gammon, bringing balance to your dish.
Mustard Gravy: A Zesty Option
Mustard gravy is another fantastic choice. The tanginess of the mustard helps to cut through the richness of the gammon, providing a welcome contrast in flavors.
To make mustard gravy, start with a roux of butter and flour. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add Dijon mustard or English mustard to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Creamy Horseradish Gravy: A Bold and Flavorful Choice
For a bolder flavor, try creamy horseradish gravy. The horseradish adds a spicy kick that balances the saltiness of the gammon beautifully.
To make creamy horseradish gravy, start with a white sauce (béchamel). Gradually whisk in milk or cream until smooth. Stir in prepared horseradish to taste. Season with salt and white pepper.
Things to Avoid
While many gravies pair well with gammon, some are best avoided. Gravies that are excessively salty or overly rich can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the pork. Avoid using ready-made gravy granules, as they tend to be high in sodium and lack the complexity of homemade options. Also, extremely dark or heavy gravies might not be the best match, as they can mask the gammon’s flavor.
Making Gravy From Gammon Stock
Using the stock from cooking the gammon is a great way to create a flavorful gravy. However, it’s crucial to manage the salt content.
To make gravy from gammon stock:
- Reserve the Stock: After boiling or baking your gammon, carefully reserve the cooking liquid.
- Defat the Stock: Skim off as much fat as possible from the surface of the stock. You can use a fat separator or chill the stock and remove the solidified fat.
- Reduce the Stock (Optional): If the stock is too thin, simmer it gently to reduce it and concentrate the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Taste the stock before using it to make gravy. If it’s too salty, dilute it with water or unsalted chicken broth.
- Make a Roux: In a separate pan, make a roux with butter and flour.
- Combine and Simmer: Gradually whisk the defatted gammon stock into the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Season with pepper and other desired spices. Remember, you may not need to add any salt, depending on the saltiness of the stock. You can also add a touch of maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, or mustard to balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
The right accompaniments can elevate your gammon and gravy experience to new heights.
Consider serving gammon with roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. These provide a sweet and earthy counterpoint to the salty meat and rich gravy.
A side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes also works well.
For a touch of freshness, include a green vegetable such as steamed green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
Garnishes can add visual appeal and enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme are excellent choices. A dollop of cranberry sauce or apple chutney can also complement the gammon and gravy beautifully.
Pairing with Other Condiments
While gravy is a fantastic accompaniment to gammon, it’s not the only option. Consider offering a selection of condiments to allow your guests to customize their meal.
Apple sauce, cranberry sauce, and horseradish sauce are all classic pairings with gammon. Mustard, in various forms (Dijon, English, whole grain), is also a popular choice.
A Note on Vegan Gravy
For vegan diners, there are plenty of delicious gravy options that pair well with plant-based gammon alternatives or simply to be enjoyed with the meal. Mushroom gravy, made with a rich vegetable broth and sautéed mushrooms, is a flavorful and satisfying choice. You can also make a delicious vegan gravy using vegetable bouillon, cornstarch, and seasonings.
Final Thoughts
So, can you have gravy with gammon? Absolutely! The key is to choose a gravy that complements the gammon’s unique flavor profile, balancing its saltiness and enhancing its sweetness. Whether you opt for a classic apple gravy, a tangy mustard gravy, or a bold horseradish gravy, the right pairing can transform your gammon dinner into a truly memorable meal. Enjoy the process of experimenting and finding your perfect match!
Can you typically serve gravy with gammon?
Yes, gravy is a very common and often delicious accompaniment to gammon. The saltiness of the gammon is beautifully offset by a rich, savoury gravy. It’s a pairing that works well because the gravy can add moisture and enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish, especially if the gammon is slightly dry or lacks richness.
However, the type of gravy you choose can make a significant difference. A classic brown gravy made with meat drippings is a safe bet, but fruit-based gravies or sauces, like apple or cranberry, are also popular choices. The key is to consider the overall flavours of your gammon dish and choose a gravy that complements, rather than overpowers, those flavours.
What kind of gravy goes best with gammon?
A traditional brown gravy, made using the drippings from roasting the gammon itself, is often considered the best pairing. The savoury, meaty flavour of this type of gravy complements the salty gammon beautifully. You can enhance the flavour further by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a touch of mustard for a little kick.
Alternatively, a fruit-based gravy or sauce can also be excellent. Apple sauce, cranberry sauce, or even a spiced cherry gravy provide a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the salty gammon. These options are particularly good if your gammon has a sweet glaze, as they will enhance the overall flavour profile. Ultimately, the best gravy is a matter of personal preference, but experimenting with different flavours is part of the fun!
Does the gammon cooking method influence the gravy choice?
Yes, the method you use to cook your gammon can influence your gravy selection. For example, if you boil your gammon, you might not have many drippings to create a traditional brown gravy. In this case, you could consider making a gravy from a stock cube or using a packet gravy mix, enriching it with a knob of butter and some herbs.
If you roast your gammon, you’ll have plenty of delicious drippings that can be used to make a rich and flavourful gravy. If you’ve glazed your gammon with a sweet glaze, such as honey or maple syrup, a fruit-based gravy will complement the sweetness. Consider the overall flavor profile of your cooked gammon when deciding on the best gravy to serve alongside it.
Can you use ready-made gravy with gammon?
Absolutely, using ready-made gravy with gammon is perfectly acceptable, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have the ingredients to make gravy from scratch. There are many high-quality ready-made gravies available, both in powdered and liquid forms. Just be sure to choose one that complements the flavor of your gammon.
To enhance the flavour of a ready-made gravy, you can add some simple ingredients such as a knob of butter, a splash of wine, a teaspoon of mustard, or some fresh herbs. These additions can elevate the gravy and make it taste more homemade. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Is gravy essential when serving gammon?
No, gravy is not absolutely essential when serving gammon. While many people enjoy the combination, gammon is perfectly delicious on its own, particularly if it’s been cooked well and has a flavourful glaze. Some people prefer to serve it with a simple side of vegetables or a dollop of chutney or mustard.
The decision of whether or not to serve gravy ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re serving gammon as part of a larger roast dinner, gravy can be a welcome addition. However, if you’re serving it as a lighter meal or as part of a buffet, it might not be necessary. Consider your guests’ preferences and the overall context of the meal.
What are some gravy alternatives for gammon?
If you’re not keen on traditional gravy, there are several other sauce options that pair well with gammon. Apple sauce is a classic accompaniment, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the salty meat. Cranberry sauce provides a similar flavour profile and is especially festive around Christmas.
Other alternatives include mustard, chutney, or even a simple jus made from reduced stock. A honey mustard glaze can also be served on the side as a dipping sauce. The key is to choose a sauce that complements the flavour of the gammon and provides a balance to the saltiness.
How do you thicken gravy for gammon?
There are several methods you can use to thicken gravy for gammon. A classic method is to use a roux, which is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour. Cook the roux over low heat for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in the pan drippings or stock until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Another option is to use cornflour (cornstarch). Mix a tablespoon or two of cornflour with a little cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering gravy. The gravy will thicken quickly. Be careful not to add too much cornflour, as it can make the gravy gloopy. Alternatively, you can reduce the gravy by simmering it gently on the stovetop until it thickens naturally.