Port Braised Ham Recipe

This rich and flavorful ham recipe is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The sweetness of the port wine and brown sugar perfectly complement the savory ham, making for a delicious and impressive main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
• 2 cups port wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Remove any skin from the ham and trim any excess fat.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the port wine, chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Add the ham to the pot and spoon the liquid over the top to coat.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, basting the ham with the liquid every hour or so, until the ham is tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove the ham from the pot and set aside to rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes.
7. While the ham rests, strain the liquid from the pot into a saucepan, discarding any solids. Skim off any excess fat from the top.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry.
9. Add the slurry to the saucepan and whisk to combine. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
10. Slice the ham and serve with the port sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Leftovers make a great addition to sandwiches or omelets.

Verdict: This port braised ham is a showstopper, with its tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce. It requires a bit of time and effort, but the results are well worth it.