How Canadians De Salt Their Ham
Discover the traditional Canadian technique for revitalizing cured ham with this simple yet effective recipe on how to de-salt ham. Ideal for reducing excess salt in store-bought or homemade cured hams, this method involves overnight soaking followed by gentle simmering to achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful result. Using just water and time, this recipe transforms overly salty ham into a versatile centerpiece for hearty family dinners or festive gatherings. Whether you're preparing a classic holiday spread or experimenting with new dishes, mastering this de-salting process will ensure your ham is balanced, juicy, and ready to shine. Perfect for six servings, this recipe is a must-know for ham enthusiasts craving a taste of authenticity.
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Ingredients
- 1 kg Cured ham
- 4 liters Cold water
Directions
Step 1
Place the cured ham in a large pot or container, ensuring it can be fully submerged in water.
Step 2
Pour 4 liters of cold water over the ham to completely cover it. If the ham is particularly salty or larger than 1 kg, use additional water to ensure full coverage.
Step 3
Refrigerate the ham in the water for at least 12 hours (overnight is ideal). For extra-salty ham, change the water once or twice during the soaking process to further reduce salt content.
Step 4
After soaking, remove the ham from the water and rinse it under cold running water to wash off any salt that has drawn to the surface.
Step 5
Place the ham in a large pot and cover it with fresh water. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the ham for approximately 2 hours or until it is tender and cooked through. Check the ham periodically, skimming any foam or impurities off the surface of the water with a spoon.
Step 7
Carefully remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing or using in your desired recipe.
Step 8
Serve and enjoy your de-salted ham as part of your favorite dishes or as a centerpiece for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 5000 grams (5000.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1950 |
| Total Fat 83.20g | 107% |
| Saturated Fat 27.80g | 139% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 9.70g | |
| Cholesterol 700mg | 233% |
| Sodium 27150mg | 1180% |
| Total Carbohydrate 3.00g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.00g | |
| Protein 278.00g | 556% |
| Vitamin D 360IU | 1800% |
| Calcium 267mg | 21% |
| Iron 11mg | 62% |
| Potassium 5100mg | 109% |
Source of Calories