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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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 kg Cured ham
- 4 liters Cold water
Instructions
Place the cured ham in a large pot or container, ensuring it can be fully submerged in water.
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.
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.
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.
Place the ham in a large pot and cover it with fresh water. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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.
Carefully remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing or using in your desired recipe.
Serve and enjoy your de-salted ham as part of your favorite dishes or as a centerpiece for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1950 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.2 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.8 g | 139% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 700 mg | 233% | |
| Sodium | 27150 mg | 1180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.0 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 278.0 g | 556% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.0 mcg | 45% | |
| Calcium | 267 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 5100 mg | 109% | |
*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.
