Ingredients

12 lbs fresh ham ( not cooked or cured or smoked- just raw pig leg )
1 cup salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon saltpeter
6 quarts water
3 cups salt
6 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons saltpeter
2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns
10 allspice berries
1 egg white
1 tablespoon mustard powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
Swedish Christmas Ham, or Julskinka, is a traditional favorite during the holiday season in Sweden. The brining and baking process infuses the meat with flavor and creates a crispy top layer that everyone will love. Typically served with potatoes and various vegetables, this dish is perfect for large gatherings and celebrations with family and friends. The process of brining and slow roasting the ham requires time and effort, but the delicious end result is more than worth it.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.In a large pot, mix 1 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of saltpeter with 6 quarts of water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
3.Let the mixture cool.
4.Put the fresh ham in a large container and pour the cooled brine over the ham. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice berries to the brine.
5.Put a heavy weight on the ham to keep it submerged in the brine.
6.Place the ham in the fridge and let it marinate for 5-7 days.
7.After 5-7 days, remove from the brine and rinse under cold water.
8.Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up.
9.In a bowl, whisk an egg white, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
10.Brush the mixture all over the ham.
11.Coat the ham with 1 1/2 cups of fresh breadcrumbs, pressing the bread crumbs firmly onto the ham.
12.Bake in the oven for 12-15 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Let cool before slicing and serving.

PROS

Swedish Christmas Ham (Julskinka) is a traditional Swedish holiday dish that is perfect for large gatherings and celebrations.

The brine and breadcrumbs infuse the ham with flavor and create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender.

CONS

This dish can take up to 15 hours in the oven to fully cook, so planning ahead is necessary.

The process of brining and slow roasting requires extra time and effort.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
The use of fresh, unprocessed ingredients provides more nutrition than processed meats.
However, the high sodium content may not be suitable for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.