Beer-Roasted Fresh Ham with Braised Onions

By Tufgrlz

Ingredients

• 4 large onions, halved and thickly sliced
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 bone-in fresh ham (16 to 18 lbs.), tough skin removed but a 1/4-inch-thick layer of fat remaining
• 2 tbsp. EVOO
• 1 tbsp. caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper
• 1 bottle beer, preferably lager

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat the oven to 450°. Scatter the onions and garlic in a large roasting pan (12-by-16-inch). Place the ham, fat side up, on top of the onions. Drizzle with the EVOO and sprinkle with the caraway seeds; season with salt and pepper.

2.Roast the ham in the oven for 1 hour. Rotate the pan a half-turn and roast for 1 hour more. Lower the oven temperature to 350°, pour in the beer and cook until the internal temperature of the meat registers 155° on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 hours more.

3.Using a large spatula and a kitchen towel, or 2 meat forks, transfer the ham to a platter or cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, pour the juices and onions from the roasting pan into a large, heatproof measuring cup; let the juices settle. Skim off any fat that rises to the surface.

4.Using a sharp knife, carve the ham into thin slices. Reheat the pan juices and onions if necessary and serve with the meat.