Help a clueless veggie with meat please

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Am now the only vegetarian in the family. DD1 is coming home for the weekend and both she and dd2, having been veggie for years, have now discovered a love for gammon. I'd love to make some for them but know precisely nothing. How big a chunk would I need for 3 people and is there a way it can be cooked that doesn't need touching/poking around with?

I have a slowcooker, if any use.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

And when I looked on the Sainsbo's site it had both ham and gammon but they look pretty much identical - are they different things?

[Catrin]

I believe gammon is uncooked ham...

Some of the supermarket ones are sort of chopped up chunks formed into shape, if you get what I mean, so would fall apart more.

I too am veggie, but if I cook one I normally I cook a fairly large on as I find leftovers are v popular.

Cooking - I shove it in a big saucepan and cover with water. Bring to boil. Can change water and repeat at this point. Gammon vvv salty. Skim of any scuzz, let simmer for a while, like an hour. Drain, then bung in oven for an hour. (tis like other meat in a 30 mins/lb or whatever - check your label/ask butcher. I usually remove the fat for the last half hour, so any residual bits get to be melted and off the meat.

I normally serve it with new pots, a green veg and parsley sauce.

You can do posh things with scoring and cider and marmalade and all manner of stuff, but I figure if I am not eating it, I can;t be bothered!

[FlumpieWumpie]

You can buy Gammon portions/slices in a sealed packet. Usually 2 thick slices, of similar size together in a pack. I usually very lightly grill them. That's the easy option, especially if you don't want to get too involved. Otherwise you can buy a big lump and boil it (think that's what people do...). I suggest buying an unsalted version as can be very salty. Have tried both M&S and Sainsbury's versions and Sainsbury's turned out the best and least salty.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thank you. I think a big lump might be better, as less touching/poking needed! Does it always have to be boiled? Can you not just shove it in the oven/slowcooker? Not sure I fancy the idea of boiling meat smells.

[Catrin]

You absolutely can, I only do it that way as a) my mother did and b) it apparently removes some of the saltiness.

I don't own a slow cooker, so can't advise on that, sorry, though I know the Nigella Ham in Coke is v popular and much discussed on here.

[BuzzLightbulb]

My DP boils her gammon in coca cola, tastes delicious!

Tempting though it is to use the jiuce for gravy - don't ! Way too salty.

I'm partial to the odd piece of sliced gammon a la thick bacon which is maybe what your DD's like, grilled with a ring of pineapple (also grilled slightly, hate it cold) and chips !

For that extra indulgence add a fried egg.......

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thanks. Still really put off by the idea of boiling a chunk of meat though - doesn't it make the whole house stink?

[sashh]

Just stick it in the slow cooker and serve with white sauce.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

How do you do it in the slowcooker, please? Neither dd would eat white sauce though.