How to Make Baden Black Forest Ham in 10 Simple Steps

Black forest ham is Baden’s unique meal prepared over several days to achieve a satisfying taste. It’s boneless and flavorful, mostly eaten with cheese, bread, or your favorite side dish.

The name is derived from the recipe’s black color and smoky flavor prepared from the leg muscle of a pig, making it low in fat and calories. 

Background and Origin

The recipe originated in Germany in 1959. It got its name from the regions of the Black Forest where it was prepared. The flavorful has since spread to the United States of America, Europe, and Baden,

In Baden, black forest ham is one of the traditional meals served at home and in major restaurants. The country typically enjoys smoked dishes, including beef, chicken, and fish.

Let’s get started on how to prepare Black Forest Ham.

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How to Prepare Black Forest Ham

Key Ingredients

• 3 lbs Uncured Ham: This type of ham doesn’t have additives like salt and spices. Uncured ham is an excellent source of protein with a lower amount of calories. 
• 1 cup Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a lighter, milder variety of table salt, while it is a good source of sodium, which our bodies require to maintain fluid balance and support nerve function. In addition to aiding digestion, kosher salt also produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
• 1 tsp Black Pepper: Black pepper is a good source of manganese for bone health, wound healing, and metabolism. It also has cancer-fighting properties.
• ¾ cup Maple Sugar: contains compounds that help break down cancer cells and break down carbohydrates.
• 1 tbsp TenderQuick: This ingredient gives meat, chicken, or pork a cured flavor.
• 1 tbsp Juniper berries, crushed: beneficial for wound healing, fighting cancer, and kidney stones.
• 1 tbsp Rosemary, Crushed: boosts mood and helps fight mental stress. It contains nutrients that are healthy for the skin.
• 1 tsp Majoram, Crushed: helps reduce inflammation and improves digestion and menstrual flow.
• 2 tbsp Garlic Powder: Garlic effectively lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol level and fights the common cold. 
• 1 tsp Coriander, Ground: This is a special herb that helps fight extra sodium in the body, thereby lowering blood pressure. It also improves your heart health.
• 1 tsp Nutmeg, Ground: brightens your skin, protects your heart, and helps brain health.
• 3 tbsp vinegar: helps lower blood sugar, weight loss, and acid reflux.

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Instructions on How to Prepare Black Forest Ham

1. Crush or grind the juniper berries, rosemary, marjoram, coriander, and nutmeg for a smooth consistency. 
2. Mix the spices and rub them on the ham. 
3. Then place the spiced ham in a sealed bag. Refrigerate the ham to marinate for 5 to 6 days, flipping it over daily to allow even distribution of the spices.
4. After 5 to 6 days, rinse the meat thoroughly under running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. Put it on a rack with a tray and refrigerate again for 24 hours. 
5. Smoke the ham at 150°F until its temperature reaches 145°F. This could take between 5 to 10 hours for the ham to smoke perfectly. You can use a smokehouse or an offset smoker for this. 
6. Once the ham is cooked, allow it to cool at room temperature.
7. Coat the ham with lard evenly and wrap it with a clean cloth. Bind the wrapped ham with twine to keep it steady.
8. Hang the meat in a cool, dry place for 14 days or more.
9. Afterwards, unwrap the ham, dip cotton in vinegar, and rub the outside of the ham clean.
10. Cut the Black Forest ham into pieces, pair it with cheese or bread, and enjoy!

Tips for Smoking Black Forest Ham

• You can use a grill to smoke the ham if you don’t have a smokehouse.
• Use cheesecloth to wrap the meat after smoking it, however, you can use any kind of old cotton cloth that you have.
• Wash the ham thoroughly after marinating it for days to rinse off the saltiness it must have accumulated. 
• Ensure to smoke the ham thoroughly at the required time frame so it can age well.
• You can enjoy Black Forest ham with Chimichurri.

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Conclusion

You can prepare black forest ham at home ahead of time as you prepare to host family or friends. It’s a unique dish that goes along with any meal. You can enjoy this meal on its own or use it to prepare sauce or soup.