Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham with Citrus Glaze

By

Martha Stewart Living, December 2014, page 131.

  • 1
  • 60 mins
  • 60 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh ham, cut from shank end (about 12 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons fennel seeds, lightly toasted
  • 3 tablespoons coriander seeds, lightly toasted
  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 3 Ruby Red grapefruits, 2 cut into wedges, 1 zested and juiced
  • 6 limes, 3 halved, 3 zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup coarse salt
  • Assorted citrus fruits, halved or cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 pomegranate, cut into wedges, plus seeds, for serving
  • Fennel crowns, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Score fat on ham in a 3/4-inchwide diamond pattern. Finely grind fennel, coriander, and peppercorns in a spice mill or clean coffee grinder. Transfer to a bowl; stir in zests and salt. Rub mixture over ham, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 1 to 3 days.

Unwrap ham; let stand at room temperature 1 to 2 hours. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine 2 cups water, grapefruit wedges, and lime halves in a roasting pan. Set ham on a wire rack in pan. Bake, basting every hour, and covering with parchment-lined foil after 1 hour, until a thermometer inserted into bottom part (avoiding bone) reads 140 degrees, about 4 hours, 30 minutes (about 20 minutes per pound). Remove from oven; let rest 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, increase heat to 400 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss assorted cut citrus with oil and sprinkle generously with sugar. Roast, turning once, until browned, about 40 minutes.

While meat is resting, cook honey, sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until deep golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat; slowly stir in citrus juices. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 cup, about 3 minutes. Brush 3 tablespoons glaze over ham.

Serve ham with roasted citrus, pomegranate, fennel crowns, and remaining glaze.