If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional holiday ham, our Herb-Crusted Mangalitsa Ham with Mustard-Mint Sauce offers a fresh, elegant alternative. With a fragrant crust of fresh thyme, sage, and garlic, and paired with a zesty mustard-mint dipping sauce, this Mangalitsa ham will be the centerpiece that everyone remembers.
Why Mangalitsa Ham?
Mangalitsa pork is known for its luxurious marbling and rich, tender meat, making it the ideal base for bold flavors. This heritage ham’s natural succulence pairs perfectly with an herb crust that complements its depth and savory notes. Add the refreshing mustard-mint sauce, and you have a standout dish that brings an unexpected yet delightful twist to holiday gatherings.
8-10 people
Ingredients
For the Herb-Crusted Ham:
- 1 Mangalitsa bone-in half ham
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves , finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves , finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
For the Mustard-Mint Sauce:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint , finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Prepare the Herb Crust : In a small bowl, combine the thyme, sage, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to form a paste. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, pressing it gently to help it adhere.
Step 3
Begin Roasting : Place the ham in the prepared roasting pan, cut side down. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 1 hour to let the flavors begin to meld.
Step 4
Uncover and Continue Roasting : Remove the foil after the first hour to allow the crust to become golden brown. Continue roasting for another 1.5–2 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Baste with any pan juices as needed to keep the ham moist.
Step 5
Prepare the Mustard-Mint Sauce : While the ham is roasting, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh mint, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and tang to taste by adding a touch more honey or vinegar as desired.
Step 6
Rest and Serve : Once the ham is finished cooking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15–20 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.
Plating Ideas for a Memorable Presentation
To make this dish visually stunning, arrange slices of the ham on a large platter. Garnish with extra sprigs of thyme and sage for a festive touch, and place the mustard-mint sauce in a small bowl on the side. This elegant presentation makes it easy for guests to serve themselves, with a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Wine Pairing : A crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay or a sparkling wine enhances the fresh herb flavors and complements the ham’s richness without overpowering it. For red wine enthusiasts, a Grenache or Pinot Noir works beautifully.
- Side Dish Ideas : Consider pairing this ham with roasted fingerling potatoes or a bright winter citrus salad to add color and freshness to the meal.
A Fresh Take on Holiday Tradition
With its herbaceous crust and unique mustard-mint sauce, this Mangalitsa ham recipe offers a refreshing departure from classic holiday flavors while honoring the luxurious quality of heritage pork. It’s a bold, beautiful dish that will stand out on your holiday table and give your guests something to talk about. Perfect for special gatherings, this herb-crusted Mangalitsa ham is a new classic in the making!
Elevate your holiday feast with Goode & Local’s Mangalitsa ham, and let this recipe become part of your seasonal tradition.