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Home-Cured Holiday Ham

Home-Cured Holiday Ham

Cost $30, save $20

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 150 Min
  • 16 Servings
  • $30

INGREDIENTS

  • Brine Ingredients

    • 🧂 18 ounces kosher salt
    • 2 cups brown sugar
    • 7 teaspoons pink salt #1 (curing salt)
    • 1 tablespoon pickling spice
    • 💧 6 quarts water, divided
  • Ham

    • 1 (7 pound) fresh, bone-in pork shoulder roast
    • 💧 1 cup water
    • 2 whole star anise
  • Optional Glaze

    • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
    • 🧂 1 pinch salt

STEPS

1

Place kosher salt, brown sugar, pink salt, and pickling spice in a container large enough to hold brine and ham.

2

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil and pour over brine ingredients; whisk to dissolve. Pour in 1 gallon fresh cold water to cool down mixture.

3

Score the skin side of pork roast with a sharp knife, making a diamond-shaped pattern without cutting into the meat.

4

Lower roast into brine, skin-side up. Use a plate to weigh down roast, so it cures fully submerged. Refrigerate for 1 day for every 2 pounds of pork (approx. 2 1/2 days for a 7-pound roast). Turn roast halfway through the brining process.

5

Remove roast from brining liquid. Rinse off salt by covering roast with fresh cold water for a few minutes to overnight, depending on desired saltiness. Pat dry.

6

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

7

Add 1 cup water and 2 star anise to a roasting pan. Place roast on a rack in the pan.

8

Roast in preheated oven until ham reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (about 2 hours). Add more water if necessary.

9

Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast until skin is browned and temperature reaches 145-150°F.

10

Prepare glaze by mixing mustard, maple syrup, cayenne, and salt. Brush glaze on ham, then return to oven for 5 minutes.

11

Let the ham rest before slicing and serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

484

Calories

  • 39
    Protein
  • 22
    Carbs
  • 26
    Fats

💡 Use a proper curing salt to ensure safety and flavor.Weight down the meat in the brine for even curing.Adjust glaze sweetness and spices to fit your taste preference.