I still remember the first time I heard about Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola recipe. At first, I thought it sounded a bit outrageous. Ham simmered in soda? It seemed so strange, so unexpected, and yet so intriguing that I just had to try it. I decided to make it for a holiday gathering, trusting that Nigella, with her gift for making bold flavors work beautifully, would not steer me wrong.
The experience was unforgettable. From the moment the ham started simmering, the sweet, spiced aroma filled my entire house, wrapping everything in a cozy, almost festive warmth. When I finally sliced into the ham, it was unbelievably tender, with a deep, slightly smoky sweetness that was unlike anything I had tasted before. The Coca Cola had not made it sugary; instead, it gave the ham a subtle complexity, balancing saltiness with just the right amount of caramelized richness.
Since then, Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola has become one of my favorite showstopper recipes. I make it whenever I want something a little different yet deeply comforting. It is especially perfect during the holidays, but honestly, I find excuses to make it throughout the year. It always brings smiles, second helpings, and plenty of recipe requests. I hope you will be as pleasantly surprised by this dish as I was and that it finds a special place on your table too.
What is Nigella Lawson’s Ham in Coca Cola Recipe?
Nigella Ham in Coca Cola is a dish where a gammon or ham joint is simmered gently in Coca Cola until tender, then often glazed and baked for a rich, sweet-savory finish. The soda infuses the meat with a subtle depth, keeping it moist and flavorful without overwhelming sweetness.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe transforms an ordinary ham into something spectacular with minimal effort. The Coca Cola tenderizes the meat beautifully, adds incredible flavor, and creates a stunning centerpiece for any meal. Plus, it is unique enough to spark conversation and memorable enough to become a favorite tradition.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola
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1.5 to 2 kg (3.5 to 4.5 pounds) gammon joint (preferably unsmoked)
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2 liters Coca Cola (not diet)
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1 onion, peeled and halved
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Optional for glazing:
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2 tablespoons English mustard
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cloves (for studding)
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Instructions to Make Nigella Lawson’s Ham in Coca Cola
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Place the gammon joint into a large pot.
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Add the halved onion and pour over the Coca Cola until the meat is fully submerged.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 2½ hours (approximately 1 hour per kilo), topping up with hot water if needed.
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Preheat your oven to 240°C (450°F) or as high as it will go.
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When the ham is cooked, remove it from the liquid and let it cool slightly.
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If you are glazing, carefully remove the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat.
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Score the fat into a diamond pattern and stud each diamond with a clove.
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Spread the mustard over the fat and sprinkle with brown sugar.
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Place the ham in a roasting tin lined with foil and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and golden.
Nigella Lawson's Ham in Coca Cola Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 kg 3.5 to 4.5 pounds gammon joint (preferably unsmoked)
- 2 liters Coca Cola not diet
- 1 onion peeled and halved
Optional for glazing:
- 2 tablespoons English mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cloves for studding
Instructions
- Place the gammon joint into a large pot.
- Add the halved onion and pour over the Coca Cola until the meat is fully submerged.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 2½ hours (approximately 1 hour per kilo), topping up with hot water if needed.
- Preheat your oven to 240°C (450°F) or as high as it will go.
- When the ham is cooked, remove it from the liquid and let it cool slightly.
- If you are glazing, carefully remove the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Score the fat into a diamond pattern and stud each diamond with a clove.
- Spread the mustard over the fat and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Place the ham in a roasting tin lined with foil and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and golden.
Notes
- Choose a good quality unsmoked gammon joint so the flavors from the Coca Cola can really shine.
- Make sure to simmer gently rather than boil too hard, as a slow simmer keeps the meat tender.
- If you have time, letting the ham cool slightly in the cooking liquid before glazing helps lock in moisture.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving (depending on size and glaze):- Calories: 300 to 350
- Protein: 25 to 30 grams
- Fat: 15 to 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 to 12 grams (mainly from glaze and Coca Cola)
What Goes Well with Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola
I love serving this ham with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple crisp green salad. It also pairs beautifully with buttery dinner rolls and a sharp mustard or tangy chutney on the side for a little contrast.
My Tips to Make the Best Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola
Choose a good quality unsmoked gammon joint so the flavors from the Coca Cola can really shine. Make sure to simmer gently rather than boil too hard, as a slow simmer keeps the meat tender. If you have time, letting the ham cool slightly in the cooking liquid before glazing helps lock in moisture.
Easy Variations of Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola Recipe
Sometimes I swap part of the Coca Cola for cherry cola to add a subtle fruity note. For an extra spicy kick, I add a few peppercorns or a cinnamon stick to the simmering pot. If I want a slightly sharper glaze, I mix a little apple cider vinegar into the mustard before brushing it on.
Best Way to Store Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola
Leftover ham keeps very well. I slice it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It is wonderful in sandwiches, omelets, or even chopped into salads. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving (depending on size and glaze):
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Calories: 300 to 350
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Protein: 25 to 30 grams
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Fat: 15 to 20 grams
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Carbohydrates: 8 to 12 grams (mainly from glaze and Coca Cola)
Values can vary based on the size of slices and any added sides.
FAQs
Can I use Diet Coke instead of regular?
It is not recommended. Regular Coca Cola provides the necessary sweetness and caramelization.
Do I have to glaze the ham?
No, it is delicious straight from the simmering pot, but glazing adds an extra layer of flavor and beauty.
What type of ham works best?
An unsmoked, uncooked gammon joint is ideal because it absorbs the flavors beautifully without overpowering smokiness.
Can I cook it ahead of time?
Yes, you can simmer the ham a day before, let it cool in the liquid, and then glaze and roast it when you are ready to serve.
What if I do not want it too sweet?
You can balance the sweetness by using a spicier mustard in the glaze or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar while simmering.
Conclusion
Making Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola felt strange the first time I tried it. What started as a leap of faith quickly turned into one of the most delightful discoveries I have made in the kitchen. It is the kind of recipe that surprises you in the best way possible, taking familiar ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary.
Every time I prepare this ham, it fills my kitchen with the most comforting aroma, and it always brings a little extra joy to the table. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing the glossy, caramelized ham resting proudly in the center of the table, knowing that it tastes even better than it looks. Whether it is for a holiday feast, a casual get-together, or simply because I am craving something hearty and special, this ham never fails to deliver.
What I love most is how approachable it is. There is no complicated technique, no fussy steps, just good ingredients coming together with a little patience and a lot of flavor. It has become one of my signature dishes, and I always look forward to sharing it with friends and family.
If you have never tried Nigella’s Ham in Coca Cola before, I cannot recommend it enough. It is a dish that brings a touch of fun, a burst of flavor, and a whole lot of satisfaction. I hope you will love it as much as I do and that it finds a regular spot at your table too.
