This recipe is a bit of a nostalgic one for me. I remember my mum making a version of this, and while her sauce probably came from a sachet, it still tasted delicious and was the ultimate comfort food. I’ve updated it a bit, of course, but the creamy mustard sauce and tender pulled ham are still at the heart of it. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days, this creamy mustard pulled ham is your answer! Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Method in Detail
To begin, the first step is steeping the gammon. This is an essential step to ensure that the gammon is not too salty. To do this, simply place the gammon in cold water and leave it to steep overnight. This process helps remove excess salt from the meat, so it doesn’t overpower the final dish. When you’re ready to start cooking, take the gammon out of the water and set it aside.
Next, it’s time for the slow cooking process. Place your steeped gammon into the slow cooker, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Pour in the 500ml of chicken stock (or cider for a sweeter flavor), then cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on high for 6-8 hours. During this time, the gammon will become tender, and the stock will infuse it with rich flavors. Once the cooking time is up, check the gammon; it should be easy to shred with a fork. Remove the gammon from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board.
Now comes the creamy mustard sauce. To make the sauce, melt 50g of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the 35g of plain flour to the butter and stir well to form a paste. This step is crucial because the flour helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. Gradually begin to add the 600ml of milk to the flour-butter paste, stirring continuously with a whisk to avoid any lumps. Continue to stir as the mixture starts to thicken. Once you achieve a creamy consistency, stir in the tablespoon of wholegrain mustard, followed by a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Take the tender, shredded gammon and place it onto a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy mustard sauce generously over the top of the meat, making sure each piece is coated with the luscious sauce. For the perfect accompaniment, serve this dish with fluffy mashed potatoes and buttered garden peas. You can also add some crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce, making this meal a comforting, satisfying option for any occasion.
Necessary Tools
- Slow cooker
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Whisk
- Knife and chopping board (for the parsley)
Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Recipe
Cuisine: IrelandDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes6
hours6
hours10
minutesIngredients
1kg gammon (minimum) (Steep overnight before cooking to remove salt)
500ml chicken stock or cider
For the creamy parsley sauce:
600ml milk
50g butter
35g plain flour
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Steep the Gammon: Begin by steeping the gammon overnight in cold water to remove excess salt.
- Slow Cook the Gammon: Place the gammon into the slow cooker with 500ml of chicken stock (or cider if you prefer). Cook it on high for 6-8 hours until the gammon is tender and easily shredded.
- Prepare the Creamy Mustard Sauce: After the gammon is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into pieces. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a paste. Gradually add the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, stir in the mustard, chopped parsley, and pepper. Keep mixing until you reach your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, feel free to add more milk!
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the shredded ham on a serving platter, pour the creamy parsley sauce over it, and serve it with mashed potatoes and garden peas for the perfect comfort meal.
Notes
- Overcooking: Be sure to check on the gammon towards the end of the cooking time. If you overcook it, it might dry out, so be sure to shred it once it’s tender and juicy.
- Thickness of Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the milk-flour mixture a little longer. If it’s too thick, adding extra milk will help achieve the right creamy consistency.
- Gammon Salt: Don’t forget to steep the gammon overnight to remove some of the salt. If you skip this step, the final dish could be too salty.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy mustard pulled ham is great served with mashed potatoes, buttered garden peas, and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a fuller meal or even pile it on top of a baked potato for something different. If you’re feeling fancy, try it in a sandwich or a wrap!
Fun Fact
In many countries, gammon is a holiday favorite, especially around Christmas, making this recipe even more special. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for turning into this delicious pulled ham.
Conclusion
This Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham is one of those dishes that’s simple yet so satisfying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and you’re left with tender, juicy ham coated in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or to impress your family at dinner. And as always, if you love easy recipes like this, be sure to grab my upcoming recipes.
