Making homemade ham is easier than you think, and with this recipe, you can achieve extraordinary results without expensive equipment. All you need is a kitchen thermometer, glass jars, and a pot of water. By following this recipe, you’ll prepare ham that melts in your mouth!
Ingredients
For every kilogram of meat:
- Pork loin (or a cut of your choice): 1000 g
- Non-iodized sea salt: 30 g
- Garlic: 1 slice
- Black pepper: 3 g (freshly ground for better flavor distribution)
- Nutmeg: a pinch (freshly grated)
- Cinnamon: a pinch
- Bay leaf: 1
Necessary Equipment
- Glass jars with airtight lids
- Kitchen thermometer
- Large pot
Instructions
1. Preparing the Meat
- Clean the pork cut, removing any connective tissue, skin, and excess fat.
- Weigh each piece of meat to calculate the exact amount of salt (30 g per kilogram of meat). For example, for an 820 g piece, you’ll need 24.6 g of salt.
2. Preparing the Brine
- In a bowl, mix the salt with the spices: garlic, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaf.
- Massage each piece of meat with the spice and salt mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
3. Marinating
- Place the pieces of meat in the glass jars. Let them marinate at room temperature for about an hour.
4. Cooking Using Glass Jar Method
- Fill a pot with water and place the jars inside. Ensure the water level is just below the lids to avoid contamination.
- Heat the pot until it reaches 80°C – 176°F. Once the temperature is reached, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the jars cook in the water bath for 2 hours. Check every 30 minutes to ensure the temperature doesn’t drop.
5. Cooling and Storage
- After two hours, allow the jars to cool at room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the jars to the refrigerator and let them rest for at least 24 hours before enjoying the ham.
Useful Tips
- Choosing the right jars: Select jars with wide openings to make it easier to extract the ham.
- Make use of cooking juices: Don’t discard the juices released by the ham during cooking! They’re perfect for preparing a flavorful broth or adding depth to a risotto.
Tasting
After 24 hours, your homemade ham will be ready to enjoy. This ham is perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or simply to savor on its own. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below the YouTube video. If you have variations or pairing ideas, let us know!
Why Make Ham at Home?
If you live abroad, you know how hard it can be to find high-quality Italian ham. Making it at home is a great way to enjoy a premium product crafted with your own hands and carefully selected ingredients.
