When you’ve got a juicy ham on the table, don’t let those delicious drippings go to waste. Turn them into a velvety-smooth, flavorful gravy that will elevate your meal to new heights. Making gravy with ham drippings is not only incredibly easy, but the resulting sauce will enhance the taste of your ham and any other dish you serve it with.
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The Magic of Ham Drippings
Ham drippings are the golden liquid that collects at the bottom of the roasting pan after a ham is cooked. They are a treasure trove of flavor, as they have absorbed the essence of the ham and its seasonings during the roasting process. Ham drippings are a key ingredient in many classic Southern dishes, and they can be used to make a variety of sauces, soups, and stews.
Building the Foundation: Preparing the Roux
The foundation of a great gravy is a well-made roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour that is cooked together to create a thickening agent. For ham gravy, the ideal fat is the ham drippings. To make the roux, melt some ham drippings in a saucepan and whisk in the flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a deep golden brown. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Harnessing the Hammy Essence: Incorporating the Drippings
Once you have the roux ready, it’s time to incorporate the ham drippings. Strain the drippings into a measuring cup to remove any fat or debris, and then whisk them gradually into the roux. If the drippings seem too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin them out. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Enhancing the Flavor: Season and Spice
At this stage, your gravy is nearly complete. Season it to taste with salt and pepper, and add any additional spices or herbs that you desire. Some popular choices include thyme, sage, rosemary, or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings until the gravy bursts with flavor.
How To Make Gravy With Ham Drippings
Serving and Enjoying the Culinary Delight
Once your gravy is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Transfer it to a gravy boat and serve hot with your ham and other desired dishes. The rich, savory flavor of the ham drippings will complement the ham and add a touch of elegance to any meal.
