Gammon, that delectable cured pork often enjoyed roasted, boiled, or grilled, is a cornerstone of many celebratory meals. Its salty, savory flavor is incredibly versatile, making it a welcome guest at any table. But knowing what to serve alongside it to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience is key. This guide will take you through a journey of delicious pairings, offering inspiration and tips to elevate your gammon feast.
The Classics: Timeless Companions for Gammon
Some pairings are simply meant to be. They’ve stood the test of time, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that complement gammon perfectly. These are the trusted classics you can always rely on.
Potatoes: The Indispensable Side
No gammon feast is complete without potatoes. The fluffy, starchy goodness of potatoes acts as a perfect counterpoint to the rich, salty gammon, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. But which potato preparation reigns supreme?
Roast potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, are a perennial favorite. Their golden-brown exterior and savory flavor provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender gammon. Choose a variety like Maris Piper or King Edward for optimal results.
Mashed potatoes, creamy and comforting, are another excellent choice. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor create a luxurious accompaniment to the gammon. Consider adding roasted garlic or herbs to elevate the mash to new heights.
Scalloped potatoes, with their layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, offer a more decadent option. The richness of the sauce and the tender potatoes create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Vegetables: Adding Color and Freshness
While potatoes are essential, vegetables add color, nutrients, and freshness to the gammon meal. Choosing the right vegetables can enhance the overall dining experience, balancing the richness of the meat with vibrant flavors and textures.
Green beans, blanched or sautéed, provide a crisp and refreshing element. Their bright green color adds visual appeal, while their mild flavor complements the gammon without overpowering it.
Brussels sprouts, often roasted or shredded and sautéed, offer a slightly bitter note that balances the saltiness of the gammon. Roasting them with bacon or balsamic glaze can further enhance their flavor.
Carrots, roasted or glazed, provide a sweet and earthy counterpoint to the gammon. Their vibrant orange color adds warmth to the plate, while their sweetness complements the savory flavors of the meat.
Sauces and Glazes: Enhancing the Flavor Profile
A well-chosen sauce or glaze can elevate gammon from delicious to extraordinary. The right sauce can enhance the existing flavors, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Mustard sauce, with its tangy and slightly spicy flavor, is a classic accompaniment to gammon. Choose a Dijon mustard for a sharper bite or a honey mustard for a sweeter note.
Apple sauce, sweet and slightly tart, provides a refreshing contrast to the salty gammon. Its smooth texture and fruity flavor create a delightful balance on the palate.
Maple glaze, sweet and sticky, adds a touch of decadence to the gammon. Its rich, caramelized flavor complements the savory meat perfectly, creating a truly memorable dish.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Pairings for the Adventurous Palate
While the classics are always a safe bet, sometimes it’s fun to experiment with new and exciting pairings. These creative options will add a unique twist to your gammon feast, showcasing the versatility of this delicious meat.
Fruits: A Sweet and Savory Symphony
Pairing fruits with gammon may seem unconventional, but the combination of sweet and savory flavors can be incredibly delicious. The sweetness of the fruit balances the saltiness of the gammon, creating a harmonious and refreshing dining experience.
Grilled pineapple, caramelized and slightly tangy, provides a tropical twist to the gammon meal. Its sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of the meat, creating a delightful contrast.
Cranberry sauce, tart and slightly sweet, is a classic holiday pairing that works beautifully with gammon. Its vibrant color and refreshing flavor add a festive touch to the meal.
Fig jam, with its rich, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor, offers a sophisticated accompaniment to gammon. Its complex flavors complement the savory meat, creating a truly memorable dish.
Salads: Adding Freshness and Texture
A well-chosen salad can add freshness, texture, and visual appeal to the gammon meal. The right salad will balance the richness of the meat with crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful dressings.
Arugula salad with parmesan cheese and balsamic vinaigrette provides a peppery and slightly bitter counterpoint to the gammon. Its simple yet elegant flavors complement the savory meat without overpowering it.
Spinach salad with walnuts and a maple-Dijon vinaigrette offers a sweet and savory combination that pairs perfectly with gammon. The crunchy walnuts and sweet-tart vinaigrette add texture and flavor to the salad.
Broccoli slaw with cranberries and a creamy dressing provides a refreshing and crunchy addition to the gammon meal. Its vibrant colors and contrasting textures create a visually appealing and flavorful side dish.
Breads and Grains: Completing the Meal
Breads and grains add substance and texture to the gammon meal, providing a satisfying and complete dining experience. The right bread or grain will complement the flavors of the gammon and other side dishes.
Crusty bread, such as sourdough or baguette, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauces and glazes served with the gammon. Its firm texture and slightly tangy flavor provide a delightful contrast to the tender meat.
Rice pilaf, fluffy and fragrant, offers a light and versatile side dish that pairs well with gammon. Its subtle flavor allows the other elements of the meal to shine through.
Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and herbs provides a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional side dishes. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture add a satisfying element to the gammon meal.
Specific Gammon Preparations and Their Ideal Sides
The way you prepare your gammon also influences the best side dish pairings. Whether you’re roasting, boiling, or grilling, certain sides will complement each cooking method particularly well.
Roasted Gammon: Aromatic and Flavorful
Roasted gammon, with its crispy exterior and tender interior, is a classic preparation that lends itself well to a variety of side dishes. The roasting process enhances the savory flavors of the gammon, making it a perfect match for hearty and flavorful sides.
Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, complement the roasted gammon beautifully. Their sweetness and earthy flavors balance the saltiness of the meat, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Yorkshire pudding, light and airy, is a classic accompaniment to roasted meats. Its savory flavor and fluffy texture provide a delightful contrast to the rich gammon.
Creamed spinach, rich and decadent, adds a touch of luxury to the roasted gammon meal. Its creamy texture and savory flavor create a delightful complement to the tender meat.
Boiled Gammon: Tender and Moist
Boiled gammon, with its tender and moist texture, is a lighter preparation that pairs well with fresh and vibrant side dishes. The boiling process mellows the saltiness of the gammon, making it a good match for lighter and more delicate flavors.
Coleslaw, creamy and refreshing, provides a crisp and tangy counterpoint to the boiled gammon. Its vibrant colors and contrasting textures add visual appeal to the meal.
Potato salad, creamy and comforting, is a classic accompaniment to boiled gammon. Its smooth texture and savory flavor create a delightful balance on the palate.
Pickled onions, tangy and slightly sweet, provide a refreshing contrast to the boiled gammon. Their sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a delightful balance.
Grilled Gammon: Smoky and Charred
Grilled gammon, with its smoky flavor and slightly charred exterior, is a delicious preparation that pairs well with bold and flavorful side dishes. The grilling process adds a unique depth of flavor to the gammon, making it a good match for sides that can stand up to its smoky character.
Corn on the cob, grilled and brushed with butter, provides a sweet and smoky accompaniment to the grilled gammon. Its tender kernels and charred exterior create a delightful textural contrast.
Grilled asparagus, tender and slightly smoky, offers a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled gammon. Its bright green color adds visual appeal to the meal.
Baked beans, smoky and flavorful, are a classic barbecue side dish that complements grilled gammon perfectly. Their rich, savory flavor adds depth to the meal, creating a satisfying and complete dining experience.
Tips for Perfect Pairings
Creating the perfect gammon meal is about more than just choosing the right side dishes. It’s also about considering the overall balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Here are a few tips to help you create a truly unforgettable gammon feast:
Consider the season. Use seasonal produce to create fresh and flavorful side dishes that complement the gammon.
Think about the balance of flavors. Choose side dishes that balance the saltiness of the gammon with sweet, tart, or spicy flavors.
Pay attention to textures. Include a variety of textures in your meal, such as crispy potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, and crunchy vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new and exciting pairings to discover your own personal favorites.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your gammon feast! With these ideas, you are ready to create a balanced and delicious meal to impress everyone.
What are some classic side dishes that complement gammon well?
Gammon, with its rich and savory flavor, pairs exceptionally well with classic side dishes that offer a balance of sweetness, acidity, and freshness. Roasted vegetables like carrots and parsnips, glazed with honey or maple syrup, provide a delightful sweetness that complements the saltiness of the gammon. Additionally, creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes offer a comforting and satisfying element that enhances the overall meal.
Other traditional choices include peas, green beans, and Brussels sprouts, often served with a buttery or creamy sauce. These green vegetables bring a freshness and vibrancy that cut through the richness of the gammon. For a slightly more adventurous option, consider serving gammon with a Waldorf salad, offering a refreshing combination of apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing.
Can I serve gammon with a fruit-based sauce or accompaniment?
Absolutely! Fruit-based sauces and accompaniments are a fantastic way to enhance the flavor profile of gammon. The sweetness and acidity of fruits like pineapple, apples, or cranberries create a wonderful contrast to the salty and savory taste of the ham. Consider a pineapple salsa, apple chutney, or cranberry sauce to elevate your gammon dish.
These fruity elements not only add a burst of flavor but also contribute to the visual appeal of the meal. The bright colors and textures of the fruits provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the gammon, making for a more balanced and enjoyable dining experience. They also help to cut through the fat and cleanse the palate.
What kind of potatoes work best with gammon?
The best potatoes to serve with gammon are those that offer a balance of texture and flavor, complementing the richness of the meat. Creamy mashed potatoes, particularly when enriched with butter and cream, provide a classic and comforting pairing. Scalloped potatoes, with their layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, also offer a satisfying and decadent option.
Alternatively, roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, offer a more rustic and flavorful choice. Choose varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. For a lighter option, consider boiled new potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.
Are there any salads that go well with gammon?
Yes, several salads complement gammon, particularly those that offer a balance of sweetness, acidity, and freshness. A Waldorf salad, with its combination of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. The crispness of the apples and celery, combined with the sweetness of the grapes, creates a delightful textural and flavor experience.
Another excellent choice is a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cut through the fat of the gammon, while the greens provide a light and refreshing element. Consider adding ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for added flavor and visual appeal. You could even incorporate some crumbled goat cheese for a tangy note.
What vegetables should I avoid serving with gammon?
While most vegetables pair well with gammon, some may be less ideal due to their flavor profiles or textures. Avoid vegetables that are overly bitter or have a strong, overpowering flavor, as they can clash with the subtle sweetness and savory notes of the gammon. For example, very bitter greens or heavily spiced vegetables might not be the best choices.
Additionally, vegetables with a mushy or watery texture may not provide the desired contrast to the gammon’s texture. Opt for vegetables that offer a firm bite or a satisfying crunch. While personal preferences vary, avoiding overly bland or texturally uninteresting vegetables can help ensure a more harmonious and enjoyable meal.
What kind of bread or rolls should I serve with gammon?
The type of bread or rolls you serve with gammon should complement the overall meal and not overpower the flavors of the gammon itself. Soft, fluffy rolls, such as dinner rolls or brioche rolls, are a classic choice, providing a comforting and slightly sweet element. Their light texture pairs well with the richness of the ham.
Alternatively, crusty bread, such as sourdough or a baguette, can offer a pleasant textural contrast. The slightly tangy flavor of sourdough can also complement the savory taste of the gammon. Consider serving the bread with butter, flavored spreads, or even a homemade chutney for added flavor and enjoyment.
Are there any international side dishes that complement gammon?
Yes, exploring international side dishes can add a unique twist to your gammon meal. German potato salad, with its tangy vinegar-based dressing and bacon bits, provides a savory and flavorful contrast to the sweetness of the ham. The acidity cuts through the richness, while the bacon reinforces the meaty flavors.
Another excellent option is a Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad, featuring ingredients like chickpeas, roasted vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette. The lightness and freshness of the couscous, combined with the vibrant flavors of the vegetables and herbs, create a delightful balance to the gammon. These international pairings can elevate your gammon dinner to a new level of culinary experience.