Oven-Baked Ham

To prepare a delicious and juicy ham, we follow a few essential steps that will transform this simple ingredient into a true culinary feast. We start by choosing a quality piece of ham, preferably one with a generous layer of fat, which will help retain juiciness during cooking.

The first step is to wash the ham well in warm water to remove any impurities. Then, we place it on a work surface with the cut side down. Using a sharp knife, we make a few shallow cuts in the skin and fat, being careful not to cut too deep, just about half a centimeter. These slits will not only help in even cooking but will also allow the flavors to penetrate the meat better. The cuts are made both horizontally, with a distance of 3 cm between them, and vertically, forming a cross pattern.

After we finish with the slits, we place the ham in a pan, leaving it uncovered in the preheated oven at medium heat. It is important not to cover the ham, as we want the skin to become crispy and golden. After about 30 minutes of baking, we take the ham out of the oven and brush it with a delicious mixture of melted butter, mustard, and crushed bay leaves, which will add a rich and aromatic flavor.

After applying this savory mixture, we put the ham back in the oven. From time to time, we open the oven door to baste it with the juices that drip from it, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The baking will take about an hour and a half, but it is essential to constantly monitor the state of the ham to avoid drying.

When the ham is nicely browned and crispy, we take it out of the oven and cover it with parchment paper, letting it rest for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute in the meat. Finally, we slice the ham thinly and serve it alongside a spicy horseradish sauce and sweet potatoes, which provide a sweet and creamy contrast, perfect for complementing the intense flavor of the ham. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a favorite at any festive meal.

 Ingredients: 1 piece of slightly smoked and salted ham (not too salty) approx. 3-4 kg, 100 g butter, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 1 very finely ground bay leaf.

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