Cooking Sliced Ham with Pineapple: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Cooking sliced ham with pineapple is a simple yet delicious recipe that can be prepared in no time. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a holiday meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking sliced ham with pineapple, including the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment needed for this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1-2 pound) sliced ham
• 1 cup pineapple rings
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven (optional)

Cooking Sliced Ham with Pineapple: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer a crispy glaze on your ham, you can bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. However, if you prefer a more tender ham, you can skip this step and proceed with cooking it on the stovetop.

Step 2: Cook the Ham in a Skillet

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced ham and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of brownness.

Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple Glaze to the Ham

Brush the pineapple glaze all over the sliced ham, making sure to coat it evenly.

Step 5: Add the Pineapple Rings

Add the pineapple rings to the skillet with the ham. You can arrange them on top of the ham or around it, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Simmer the Ham and Pineapple

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the ham and pineapple for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pineapple is tender and the ham is cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the ham into thin strips and serve with the pineapple rings and a drizzle of the pineapple glaze. You can garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and cherry, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most out of your sliced ham with pineapple recipe:

Tips:

• Use a high-quality sliced ham that is thinly sliced and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
• Don’t overcook the ham, as it can become dry and tough.
• Use fresh pineapple rings for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your taste, depending on how sweet you like your glaze.

Variations:

• Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the ham and pineapple for added flavor and texture.
• Use different types of mustard, such as whole-grain or spicy mustard, to give the glaze a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the glaze for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional information for the sliced ham with pineapple recipe:

Conclusion

Cooking sliced ham with pineapple is a simple and delicious recipe that can be prepared in no time. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a holiday meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of sliced ham with pineapple!

What is the best type of ham to use for this recipe?

The best type of ham to use for this recipe is a thinly sliced, boneless ham. You can use either a glazed ham or a plain ham, depending on your personal preference. If you’re using a glazed ham, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe to avoid making it too sweet.

It’s also important to choose a ham that is not too salty, as the pineapple and brown sugar will add natural sweetness to the dish. Look for a ham that is labeled as “low-sodium” or “reduced-sodium” to avoid overpowering the other flavors in the recipe.

How do I prepare the pineapple for this recipe?

To prepare the pineapple for this recipe, you’ll need to slice it into rings or chunks, depending on your desired texture. Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe, but you can also use canned pineapple rings if you prefer. If using canned pineapple, drain the liquid and pat the pineapple dry with a paper towel before using.

Make sure to remove any tough or woody parts from the pineapple, as these can be unpleasant to eat. You can also use a pineapple corer to remove the tough center from the pineapple rings, if desired.

Can I use other types of fruit in place of pineapple?

While pineapple is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of fruit to create a unique flavor combination. Some options you might consider include peaches, apricots, or cherries. Keep in mind that these fruits will change the flavor profile of the dish, so you may need to adjust the amount of brown sugar or other seasonings accordingly.

When using other types of fruit, be sure to choose fruits that are sweet and tender, as these will pair best with the ham. Avoid using citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, as these can be too acidic and overpower the other flavors in the recipe.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out during cooking?

To prevent the ham from drying out during cooking, it’s essential to cook it at a low temperature and to use a glaze or sauce to keep it moist. In this recipe, the pineapple juice and brown sugar help to keep the ham moist and add flavor.

You can also cover the ham with foil during cooking to prevent it from drying out. This will help to trap the moisture and heat, ensuring that the ham stays tender and juicy. Just be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking to allow the ham to brown slightly.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance, but it’s best to cook the ham just before serving. You can prepare the pineapple and glaze ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and cook the dish just before serving to ensure that the ham stays moist and the flavors stay fresh.

If you need to make the recipe ahead of time, you can cook the ham and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat the ham gently to prevent it from drying out.

How do I serve this dish?

This dish is perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish for a special occasion. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the ham and pineapple pair well with a variety of flavors, so feel free to get creative with your sides.

You can also serve this dish as a buffet item or as a snack for a party. Simply slice the ham into thin strips and serve it with toothpicks or small skewers, along with a side of pineapple wedges or chunks.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker, which is perfect for a hands-off, easy meal. Simply place the ham, pineapple, and glaze in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Keep in mind that cooking the ham in a slow cooker will result in a more tender, fall-apart texture, which may be different from the crispy, caramelized texture you get from cooking it in the oven. However, the slow cooker method is a great way to cook the ham if you’re short on time or prefer a more hands-off approach.