A Taste of the Caribbean: How to Make Trini Christmas Ham

Christmas ham is a traditional dish that is popularly consumed during the holiday season. It is a cured and smoked pork leg that is often glazed with a sweet and savory mixture of honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. The dish has a rich and flavorful taste, making it a favorite among many families during Christmas.

The origins of Christmas ham can be traced back to the pre-Christian era when people used to sacrifice pigs as a part of their winter solstice celebrations. Over time, the tradition evolved, and the pig became a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Today, the Christmas ham is a staple in many households, and its preparation and serving have become a part of the holiday tradition. It is often served with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Cook Time: 4 hours 

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes 

Course: Meats

Cuisine: International

Servings: 1 ham

Ingredients

  • 1 ham
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp pepper
  • 3 tbsp green seasoning
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Whole cloves

Instructions

  • Instructions
  • Boil the ham for about 15 minutes and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, green seasoning, ketchup, pepper, and black pepper for the glaze.
  • Cover the ham with the glaze. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the glazed ham in the dish skin side down.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350° F for 2 1/2 – 3 hours, depending on the size of the ham, or until thoroughly cooked. Glaze occasionally.
  • When baked, add the whole cloves to the ham and allow to cool.
  • Notes
  • The general rule for baking ham is 25 minutes per Kilogram. While baking you can test the meat by sticking a knife into it. If after sticking the meat, liquid comes out of it, then more baking is required.

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Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved.

Trini Christmas Ham II

Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours
Course: Meats
Cuisine: Caribbean, creole
Servings: 18
Calories:
Author: Felix (Simply Trini Cooking)

Ingredients

  • 1 ham cured
  • 1 pack whole cloves
  • 1 large banana leaf

Instructions

  • Wash the ham and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Singe a banana leaf and cut it to fit a large baking dish. Place the ham in the dish skin side down and add the whole cloves.
  • Wrap with the remaining banana leaves and bake at 350° F for 2 1/2 – 3 hours, depending on the size of the ham, or until thoroughly cooked.
  • Note: The general rule for baking ham is 25 minutes per Kilogram.
  • While baking, test the meat by sticking a knife into it. If after sticking the meat, liquid comes out of it, then more baking is required.
  • After 2 hours of baking, remove the banana leaves and continue baking to dry up the surface of the ham.
  • Place on a rack to cool.
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