How to Make Delicious Ham Gravy

Ham is a delicious meat that can be enjoyed year-round. One of the best things about this meat is that it can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re having a big Easter feast or just looking for a way to jazz up dinner, ham gravy is a simple yet tasty addition. Below we’ll give you the low-down on how to create this delicious gravy, without any of the confusing and technical culinary language.

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you have the right ingredients. For a basic ham gravy, you’ll need a few things – ham drippings, flour, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Ham drippings are simply the liquid that’s created as the ham cooks in the oven. It’s important to collect as much of this drippings as possible to ensure the best flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough drippings, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to help you out. Let’s get started!

Ham gravy is a staple in many households and can be used to flavor a variety of dishes. While many people opt to purchase store-bought gravy, making homemade ham gravy is surprisingly easy and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking to add some depth to your breakfast biscuits or elevate your weeknight dinners, follow these simple steps to make delicious ham gravy that’s sure to impress.

1. Select Your Ham

Before making your ham gravy, you’ll need to select the right cut of ham. While any type of ham will work, a ham shank or ham hock is ideal for producing rich, flavorful gravy. These cuts come from the lower portion of the pig’s leg and are typically smoked, which adds a depth of flavor to your gravy.

2. Cook Your Ham

To make ham gravy, you’ll need to start by cooking your ham. There are a variety of ways to do this, but we recommend baking it in the oven or boiling it on the stovetop. Be sure to cook your ham until it’s fully cooked, tender, and falling off the bone.

3. Save the Ham Broth

Once your ham is cooked, be sure to save the broth. This is what you’ll use to make your gravy. Simply strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, and set it aside.

4. Make a Roux

To thicken your ham gravy, you’ll need to make a roux. This is a mixture of flour and fat that’s used to create a thick, smooth sauce. To make a roux for your ham gravy, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste.

5. Add Broth to the Roux

Once your roux is ready, begin adding the ham broth to the saucepan. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Gradually add the broth until you achieve the desired consistency for your gravy.

6. Add Seasonings

Now it’s time to add some flavor to your ham gravy. Start by adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme, to enhance the flavor of your gravy.

7. Add a Thickening Agent

If your gravy is still too thin, you can add a thickening agent, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. To do this, whisk small amounts of your chosen thickening agent into the gravy until it reaches the desired consistency.

8. Shred Your Ham

While your gravy is simmering, take the cooked ham and shred it into small pieces. This will allow you to add the ham back into the gravy, creating a hearty, meaty texture.

9. Add Shredded Ham to the Gravy

Once your ham is shredded, add it back into the gravy. Stir gently to combine the ham and gravy, and continue to simmer until the ham is heated through.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Your homemade ham gravy is now ready to enjoy! Serve it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other dish that could use a little extra flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Ingredients for Making Ham Gravy

When it comes to making ham gravy, having the right ingredients is crucial to achieve a delicious dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make ham gravy:

1. Ham drippings: The key ingredient in ham gravy is the drippings from your cooked ham. This will provide the rich, smoky flavor that makes ham gravy so delicious.

2. Butter: Adding a bit of butter to the ham drippings will help create a smooth, creamy texture in the gravy.

3. All-purpose flour: Flour will be used to thicken the gravy and create a smooth consistency.

4. Milk: Adding milk to your ham gravy will give it a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavor of the ham drippings.

5. Salt and pepper: These two ingredients are essential in enhancing the flavors of the gravy.

6. Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder can add more depth to the flavor profile.

7. Thyme: The addition of thyme can give the gravy a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs well with ham.

8. Onion powder: A pinch of onion powder can add a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the gravy.

9. Chicken broth: If you want to elevate the flavor of your ham gravy, adding a bit of chicken broth can do the trick.

10. Cornstarch: If the gravy is too thin, adding a bit of cornstarch can help thicken it up.

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

Ingredients Needed to Make Ham Gravy

Making hearty, savory ham gravy is just as much about using the right ingredients as it is about the cooking process itself. Below are the key ingredients you will need to make delicious ham gravy:

Ham Drippings

Ham drippings are the key ingredient in this recipe that provides the necessary flavor for your ham gravy. As you cook your ham, the drippings begin to accumulate in the bottom of the pan. It is important to save these drippings as they are the base for your gravy. Once you have finished cooking your ham, remove it from the pan and strain your drippings through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any impurities.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is used as a thickening agent in your ham gravy recipe. Once your ham drippings have been strained, add the flour to the pan and whisk until it is fully incorporated. Cook the flour and drippings together over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a light brown color.

Ham Broth

Ham broth is made by simmering a ham bone or ham hock in water for several hours. As the ham cooks in the water, it releases its flavor and nutrients, resulting in a rich and savory broth. This broth is then strained and used as the liquid base for your gravy recipe.

Milk or Heavy Cream

Milk or heavy cream is used to add a creamy richness to your ham gravy. Depending on your preference, you can use either milk or heavy cream in your gravy recipe. Once you have added your ham broth to the flour and drippings mixture, whisk in your milk or cream until it is fully combined.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are added to your ham gravy recipe to enhance the flavor of the ingredients and provide seasoning. It is important to use salt and pepper in moderation as the ham drippings and broth may already have some salt in them. Taste your gravy as you cook it and adjust the seasoning as needed.

By following these simple steps, you can make delicious and flavorful ham gravy that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences for the best results.

Enjoy Your Delicious Ham Gravy!

Now that you know how to make ham gravy – it’s time to get cooking! Don’t forget to add a pinch of love to your dish. We hope you enjoyed this article and feel confident about creating a scrumptious gravy for your next meal. Thanks for reading and please visit us again for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!