Ham with Blueberry Sauce: A Sweet and Savory Delight

The first time I tasted ham with a fruit sauce was at my grandmother’s Easter dinner. I remember being skeptical – fruit on ham? But one bite of that glistening, ruby-red cherry sauce against the salty ham, and I was hooked. The contrast was unexpected, vibrant, and utterly delicious. This Ham with Blueberry Sauce echoes that same delightful dance of flavors, bringing a burst of juicy sweetness to a classic savory dish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 38 minutes
• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Not specified (see notes below for adjustments)

Ingredients

• 1 slice ham, center cut, 1-inch thick
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon arrowroot
• 1/3 cup no-sugar-added apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dry red wine
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup blueberries

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Shallow Baking Pan
• Rack
• Small Saucepan
• Whisk or Spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare the ham by trimming the fat from the edge of the slice, if necessary. This helps to prevent excessive rendering of fat during baking.
3. Place the ham slice on a rack inside a shallow baking pan. The rack ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from sitting in its own juices.
4. Bake the ham for 30 minutes. This initial baking time ensures the ham is heated through.
5. While the ham is baking, prepare the blueberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water. Whisk together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, creating a smooth slurry. This step is crucial to prevent lumps in your sauce.
6. Stir in the no-sugar-added apricot jam, brown sugar, dry red wine, and lemon juice into the saucepan. The apricot jam adds sweetness and depth, while the brown sugar provides a subtle caramel note. The red wine contributes richness and acidity, perfectly balanced by the brightness of the lemon juice.
7. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and become bubbly. Be careful not to scorch the sauce; low and slow is the key here. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Gently stir in the blueberries and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the blueberries to soften slightly and release their juicy sweetness into the sauce. Avoid overcooking the blueberries, as they can become mushy.
9. Remove the ham from the oven.
10. Spoon the blueberry sauce generously over the ham slice. Make sure to evenly coat the surface.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Enhance the Wine Flavor: For a more pronounced wine flavor, you can deglaze the baking pan with the red wine after the ham has baked. Simply pour the wine into the pan, scrape up any browned bits, and then add this to the blueberry sauce.
• Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the apricot jam and your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more to taste.
• Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is not thickening sufficiently, you can add a small amount of additional cornstarch (or arrowroot) slurry. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water, then whisk this into the sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.
• Preventing a Sugary Crust on the Ham: To prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning during baking, you can tent the ham with foil during the initial 30 minutes of baking, removing it only for the final few minutes when you add the sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ham with Blueberry Sauce is best served immediately while the ham is warm and the sauce is glistening. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad would also complement the dish beautifully.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ham and sauce in a microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to the sauce to prevent it from drying out. The ham can also be sliced and enjoyed cold in sandwiches or salads. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may become watery upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (approximate)
Calories	224 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	56 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	6g	N/A
Saturated Fat	2g	N/A
Cholesterol	60mg	N/A
Sodium	1463mg	N/A
Carbohydrate	12g	N/A
Dietary Fiber	1g	N/A
Sugars	9g	N/A
Protein	27g	N/A

Note: The % Daily Value is not provided in the original data. The sodium content is notably high; individuals watching their sodium intake should exercise caution.

Variations & Substitutions

• Other Berries: Feel free to experiment with different berries in the sauce. Raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend would all work well.
• Sweetener Options: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute of your choice. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with grape juice or chicken broth. This will alter the flavor slightly, but still provide a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Spiced Ham: For a warmer flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the blueberry sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.

Q: The sauce is too tart. What can I do?
A: If your sauce is too tart, add a little more brown sugar or a touch of honey to balance the acidity.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat it before serving.

Q: My ham slice is thicker or thinner than 1 inch. Do I need to adjust the cooking time?
A: Yes, if your ham slice is thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time. If it’s thinner, reduce the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for no-sugar-added apricot jam, you can substitute it with other fruit jams like raspberry, peach, or even orange marmalade. Just be mindful of the sugar content if you’re using regular jam.

Final Thoughts

This Ham with Blueberry Sauce is a delightful way to elevate a classic dish. The sweet and savory combination is sure to impress your family and friends, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious! I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with me. Bon appétit!