If there's one dish that's truly a winter comfort classic, it's ham at the center of the table, accompanied by its loyal sidekick, a bowl of rich, steaming gravy. This dynamic duo is a staple in countless homes during the colder months, and with good reason. The salty, savory ham is perfectly complemented by the creamy, savory gravy, creating a harmonious balance that satisfies the senses.
But gravy doesn't just make ham taste better; it adds its own depth of flavor to the meal. It's a testament to the age-old art of making the most out of every scrap of food. With the right gravy recipe, you can transform simple pan drippings into a delicious, merits-a-second-helping sauce. So, let's dive into the world of gravy, and explore some of the best recipes to go with your ham.
Classic Pan Gravy
The most traditional way to make gravy for your ham is by using the pan drippings left behind after cooking. This method gives you a gravy that's deeply infused with the flavors of the ham, creating a truly irresistible sauce.
To make classic pan gravy, simply pour off most of the fat from the pan, leaving behind about 2 tablespoons. Add a few tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk it over medium heat until it turns light brown. Gradually whisk in the ham broth or stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, simmer for a few minutes, and season to taste. The result? A creamy, savory gravy that's the epitome of comfort food.
Adding Diary for Creaminess
For those who love a rich, creamy gravy, there's nothing wrong with adding a touch of dairy. A splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese can turn your basic gravy into a velvety, indulgent sauce. Just be sure to whisk continually to prevent lumps and control the heat to prevent curdling.
Remember, the key to a smooth, lump-free gravy is to add the dairy slowly, whisking constantly, and to avoid letting the sauce boil once the dairy is in. This ensures that the dairy ingredients incorporate fully and evenly into the gravy, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture.
Redeye Gravy
If you're looking for a gravy recipe with a bit more kick, you might want to try redeye gravy. This Southern-style gravy gets its name from its rich, dark color, which is achieved by cooking down leftover coffee.
To make redeye gravy, you'll need a combination of ham drippings, strong brewed coffee, and a bit of sugar and vinegar for balance. In a pan, combine the ham drippings and coffee, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer until the mixture reduces by half. Stir in the sugar and vinegar, then taste and adjust the seasoning. The result is a gravy with a darker color and a bold, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with ham.
Using Bacon or Sausage Drippings
While ham is the star of the show, using drippings from other pork products can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your gravy. Drippings from pan-fried bacon or breakfast sausages can be used as a base for your gravy, creating a rich, smoky flavored sauce.
To use bacon or sausage drippings, simply cook the bacon or sausages in the pan until they're crispy. Remove the bacon or sausages, but leave the drippings in the pan. From here, you can proceed with your gravy recipe as usual, using the flavorful drippings as a base. This will give your gravy a unique, smoky flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of the ham.
When it comes to serving up your ham with gravy, remember that presentation can be just as important as taste. Pour your gravy into a warm gravy boat or a decorative serving dish, placing it on the table alongside your ham. And don't forget, every good meal deserves a good beverage pairing. A classic like Martinelli's Apple Juice or a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice can add a touch of sweetness to the meal while complementing the saltiness of the ham.