Easy and Delicious: Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham in a Pressure Cooker
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a juicy, succulent ham wafting through the kitchen. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a fully cooked ham, look no further than your trusty pressure cooker. This handy kitchen appliance can work wonders, infusing your ham with flavor while keeping it moist and tender. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering ham that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a moment to gather all the necessary ingredients:
- A fully cooked ham
- 1 cup of water or broth
- Aromatic herbs and spices (optional)
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
First, ensure that your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition. Place the trivet or rack inside the cooker to elevate the ham above the liquid. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy.
Add Flavor to Your Ham
While a fully cooked ham is already bursting with flavor, you can enhance it by adding aromatic herbs and spices. Consider adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves. A pinch of cloves, garlic powder, or black pepper can also work wonders.
Pressure Cook Your Ham
Place the fully cooked ham on top of the trivet or rack inside the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water or broth to the cooker, ensuring it reaches a level below the trivet. This liquid will help create the necessary steam for pressure cooking.
Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the ham for approximately 5-8 minutes per pound, depending on the size of your ham. For example, if you have a 6-pound ham, the cooking time would be around 30-48 minutes.
Release the Pressure
After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure inside the cooker to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This will help the ham retain its juices and prevent any potential splattering when releasing the remaining pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Your fully cooked ham should be moist, tender, and ready to be enjoyed.
Optional Glazing and Finishing Touches
If you prefer a glazed ham, you can brush on your favorite glaze mixture such as honey mustard or maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking. Place the ham in a preheated oven and broil for a few minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized. This will add a delightful sweetness and beautiful shine to your ham.
Before serving, allow the ham to rest for a few minutes to lock in the flavors. Slice it up and serve alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Now that you know how to cook a fully cooked ham in a pressure cooker, you can easily create a delicious centerpiece for your next family gathering or holiday celebration. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills. So, fire up that pressure cooker and get ready to enjoy a tender and flavorful ham that will leave everyone wanting more!
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