Jamie Oliver - Ham Hock & Parsley Sauce | Jamie's £1 Wonders & Money-Saving Meals | Channel 4, Mondays, 8pm
The recipe focuses on using smoked salted ham hock, a cheaper cut that requires slow cooking to create a flavorful broth. The ham hock is soaked overnight to remove excess salt, then boiled with herbs, onions, carrots, and potatoes to infuse flavors. The broth is used to cook vegetables, enhancing their taste. A white sauce is prepared with butter, flour, milk, English mustard, and parsley, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. The sauce complements the tender ham and vegetables, creating a hearty, homely meal reminiscent of traditional family cooking.
Key Points:
- Use smoked ham hock for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal.
- Soak ham hock overnight to remove excess salt before cooking.
- Slow cook with herbs and vegetables for a rich broth.
- Prepare a white sauce with butter, flour, milk, mustard, and parsley.
- Cook vegetables in the broth for enhanced flavor.
Details:
1. Introduction to Ham Hock 🍖
- Ham hock and parsley sauce can elevate basic ingredients into a gourmet meal with rich flavors.
- This dish is cost-effective, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious cooking while providing a gourmet experience.
- The recipe is reminiscent of traditional cooking, potentially appealing to those who enjoy nostalgic flavors.
- Key preparation steps include selecting fresh ingredients, particularly high-quality ham hock and parsley, to enhance flavor.
- Sourcing tips: Local butcher shops often carry high-quality ham hocks, which are essential for the dish's depth of flavor.
- Preparation involves slow-cooking the ham hock to achieve tenderness, which is crucial for the dish's texture.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to complement the rich sauce.
2. Preparing the Broth 🍲
- Smoked salted ham hock is a cost-effective choice for broth due to its cheaper cuts.
- Soaking the ham hock overnight removes excess salt, enhancing the broth's flavor.
- Slow cooking ensures optimal flavor and tenderness, making ham hock ideal for broth.
- The process can lead to a flavorful base for soups and stews, utilizing simple ingredients effectively.
3. Adding Vegetables 🥕🥔
3.1. Vegetable Preparation
3.2. Cooking Process
4. Simmering and Baking Process 🍽️
4.1. Preparation Stage: Potatoes and Ingredients
4.2. Cooking Stage: Simmering and Baking
5. Making the Parsley Sauce 🥣
- Ingredients: 20 grams of butter, one heaped tablespoon of plain flour, 500 milliliters of milk, 2 teaspoons of English mustard, 30 grams of parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Begin by melting 20 grams of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add a heaped tablespoon of plain flour to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Gradually add 500 milliliters of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Allow the butter to brown slightly to achieve a warm, nutty flavor.
- Add 2 teaspoons of English mustard to the mixture for heat and depth of flavor.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Stir in 30 grams of freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor enhancement.
- Ensure the sauce achieves a smooth consistency by using a whisk throughout the process.
6. Serving and Final Touches 🍽️
- Using a small amount of broth can significantly enhance the dish's flavor.
- Cooking greens in the broth is optimal; broccoli stalks are recommended for use instead of waste.
- The dish involves tender meat that melts away from the bone, highlighting its tenderness and quality.
- The use of a bold mustard and parsley sauce adds a nostalgic and robust flavor reminiscent of traditional meals.
- The cooking technique infuses vegetables with rich flavors, making them exceptionally delicious.
- Overall, the meal is portrayed as hearty, homely, and perfect for family dining.