Brian in the Kitchen Recipes
BRIAN IN THE KITCHEN brought to you by Stittsworth Meats
December 11 2013
Holiday Party Main Course - Beer-Roasted Fresh Ham with Braised Onions
4 large onions, halved and thickly sliced
8 cloves garlic, peeled
1 bone-in fresh ham (16 to 18 lbs.), tough skin removed but a 1/4-inch-thick layer of fat remaining
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
Salt and pepper
1 bottle beer, preferably lager
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees . Scatter the onions and garlic in a large roasting pan (12-by-16-inch). Place the ham, fat side up, on top of the onions. Drizzle with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sprinkle with the caraway seeds; season with salt and pepper.
Roast the ham in the oven for 1 hour. Rotate the pan a half-turn and roast for 1 hour more. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees , pour in the beer and cook until the internal temperature of the meat registers 155 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 hours more.
Using a large spatula and a kitchen towel, or 2 meat forks, transfer the ham to a platter or cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, pour the juices and onions from the roasting pan into a large, heatproof measuring cup; let the juices settle. Skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
Using a sharp knife, carve the ham into thin slices. Reheat the pan juices and onions if necessary and serve with the meat.