Roasted Ham with Spring Peas and Herb Butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

   Tip: Using a cast iron skillet allows the ham to develop a beautiful crust while the oven finishes cooking it through.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.

   Tip: The vinegar adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the honey.

3. 3

   Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels, then season both sides lightly with sea salt and black pepper.

   Tip: Drying the surface helps the ham brown more evenly and develop a caramelized exterior.

4. 4

   Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet and sear the ham for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then brush generously with the honey-mustard glaze.

   Tip: Don't move the ham too much; let it sit to develop those flavorful brown edges.

5. 5

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, basting with remaining glaze halfway through cooking.

   Tip: Basting keeps the ham moist and builds layers of flavor.

6. 6

   While the ham finishes roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

   Tip: Don't let the garlic brown; you want it to be sweet and mellow.

7. 7

   Add the frozen peas to the garlic butter, stir well, and cook for 5-6 minutes until heated through. Toss in fresh thyme and parsley, then season to taste.

   Tip: Frozen peas thaw quickly and retain their bright green color better than fresh peas in this quick cooking method.

8. 8

   Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Arrange slices on a platter and serve with the herbed peas alongside.

   Tip: Resting the ham allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.