Christmas Ham Joulukinkku
Celebrate the holiday season in true Nordic style with Christmas Ham Joulukinkku, a traditional Finnish delicacy that will elevate your festive feast. This slow-roasted bone-in cured ham is expertly flavored with aromatic whole cloves and finished with a golden, caramelized crust of Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, buttery breadcrumbs, and a hint of Scandinavian charm. Tender and juicy, the ham is cooked low and slow to achieve maximum succulence, creating a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this irresistible dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and unforgettable addition to your holiday menu. Indulge in the rich flavors and time-honored techniques of this festive classic—ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 kg bone-in cured ham
- 3 liters water
- 15 pieces whole cloves
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F).
Rinse the ham thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess curing salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the ham in a large roasting pan with the skin-side up. Pour in 3 liters of water, ensuring the bottom of the pan is covered. Insert the whole cloves into the top of the ham, spacing them evenly.
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for approximately 5 hours (or about 75 minutes per kg). The internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 70°C (158°F).
Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and carefully peel off the skin while leaving a thin layer of fat. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F).
In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and dark brown sugar until well combined. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of the ham.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mustard layer, pressing gently to help them adhere. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the breadcrumbs.
Place the ham back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crisp.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as the centerpiece of your Christmas feast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
618 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.2 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 221 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 4066 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 63.0 g | 126% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 875 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
