Joulukinkku (Finnish Christmas Ham)
Joulukinkku is the centerpiece of the traditional Finnish Christmas feast. This slow-roasted ham is typically coated with a savory-sweet glaze of mustard, breadcrumbs, and sometimes honey, then baked until golden brown and succulent.
🧂 Ingredients
- 5 kg Smoked bone-in ham(approx. 11 lbs, ensure it fits in your oven)
- 1 cup Finnish Mustard(or a strong, sweet mustard)
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cups Fresh breadcrumbs
- 50 Whole cloves(for decoration)
- 2 tbsp Honey(optional, for glaze)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 100-125°C (210-255°F).
💡 Tip: A low and slow cooking temperature is key to a juicy ham. - 2
Rinse the ham with cold water and pat it dry. Place the ham in a roasting bag (if using) and then into a large roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
💡 Tip: Using a roasting bag helps keep the ham moist. Ensure the thermometer is placed correctly for accurate temperature reading. - 3
Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes per kilogram (2.2 lbs) until the internal temperature reaches 75-80°C (167-176°F).
💡 Tip: The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham. - 4
Carefully remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Remove the roasting bag (if used), net, skin, and as much fat as desired.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender ham. - 5
Increase oven temperature to 225°C (435°F). Mix the Finnish mustard, brown sugar, and breadcrumbs (and honey, if using) to form a paste. Spread this mixture evenly over the ham.
💡 Tip: Ensure the ham is evenly coated with the glaze for consistent browning. - 6
Decorate the ham surface with whole cloves. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly crisp.
💡 Tip: Place cloves in a decorative pattern for a festive look. - 7
Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before carving and serving.
💡 Tip: Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Finnish mustard is a key ingredient, known for its distinct sweet and spicy flavor. If unavailable, use a good quality sweet or Dijon mustard.
- ✓The net is usually left on during the initial baking to help the ham maintain its shape.
- ✓Pan juices can be used to make a gravy.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a glaze made with mustard and honey only.
- For a spicier crust, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.