A classic British favourite, the Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine, reinvented by Nicol Retailer Limited
There’s something special about classic British dishes — those that carry both flavour and tradition in every bite. The Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine is one such masterpiece. It’s rustic yet refined, simple yet show-stopping.
This terrine combines tender, slow-cooked smoked gammon with fresh parsley and aromatic herbs. It is set in a light, savoury jelly that perfectly balances richness and freshness. The result? A dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Made with premium smoked gammon hock from Nicol Retailer Limited, every slice tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and flavour.
Traditionally served at family gatherings and festive tables, this recipe brings that same charm to modern dining. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a dinner party, or simply want to impress your guests, the terrine delivers elegance and comfort in one slice. When you use Smoked Gammon Hock (1 kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited, you’re starting with premium-quality meat. It is expertly smoked for depth of flavour and perfectly cured. It’s ideal for slow cooking or terrine preparation.
Why Smoked Gammon Hock Works Perfectly
The gammon hock, also known as the pork knuckle, is one of the most flavourful cuts of the pig. When smoked, it develops a rich, deep taste that gives this terrine its signature character. The slow simmering process breaks down connective tissue and infuses the meat with natural savouriness. It keeps it juicy and tender.
Using a smoked hock means you don’t need to add extra salt or heavy seasonings. The meat itself brings complexity, enhanced by fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Combined with a gentle jelly set using stock from the same hock, it creates a terrine that’s full-bodied, balanced, and authentic.
It’s economical, too — one hock goes a long way, yielding a terrine that can serve 6–8 people. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for entertaining.
Recipe
Get ready to impress your guests with this Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine — a true British classic that’s rich in flavour and beautifully simple to prepare. Made with Smoked Gammon Hock (1 kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited, this elegant make-ahead dish combines tender, smoky gammon with fresh herbs and a light, savoury jelly. Perfect for entertaining, picnics, or festive gatherings, it delivers rustic charm and restaurant-quality flavour in every slice. Here is the recipe:
Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine
Ingredients
- 1 kg Gammon Hock Smoked 1kg
- 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 4 gelatine leaves (or 2 tsp powdered gelatine)
- 100 ml cooking stock (from the hock)
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- Sea salt & cracked black pepper
Instructions
Simmer the Gammon Hock
- Place the smoked gammon hock, carrot, onion, celery, bay leaves and peppercorns in a large pan. Cover with cold water and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2–2½ hours until the meat is falling off the bone.
Shred the Meat
- Remove the hock and allow it to cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into chunky pieces. Strain and reserve 100 ml of the cooking stock.
Prepare the Gelatine
- Soak the gelatine in cold water for 5 minutes (or follow pack instructions). Warm the reserved stock, remove from the heat, and stir in the drained gelatine until dissolved. Add the mustard, lemon juice, parsley and chives.
Assemble the Terrine
- Line a loaf tin with clingfilm, leaving enough overhang to cover the top. Layer the shredded gammon into the tin and pour over the herby gelatine mixture. Press down gently to remove air pockets, fold over the clingfilm and chill overnight until set.
Slice & Serve
- Turn out the terrine and slice thickly. Serve cold with toasted sourdough, cornichons, and a spoonful of mustard or chutney.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
The beauty of this Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine lies in its versatility. It’s rustic yet refined — equally at home on a picnic blanket, a festive buffet, or a fine dining starter menu. Every slice offers the perfect blend of smoky, herby, and savoury flavours — and when paired thoughtfully, it becomes truly unforgettable.
Here’s how to serve and elevate your terrine for any occasion :
As a Classic British Starter
Serve a generous slice of terrine on a chilled plate with toasted sourdough or crusty baguette, a spoonful of wholegrain mustard, and a few crisp cornichons on the side. The buttery bread contrasts perfectly with the smoky, savoury meat and sharp pickle. Ideal for dinner parties or festive gatherings where presentation matters.
Picnic Perfection
Pack this terrine for a countryside picnic or light alfresco lunch. Slice it thickly and pair with buttered new potatoes, pickled onions, and apple chutney for a flavour-packed cold platter. It travels beautifully and tastes even better the next day once the flavours have deepened — making it a must-have for summer outings.
Light Lunch or Brunch Idea
Turn your terrine into a light yet satisfying meal by serving it with a fresh green salad, hard-boiled eggs, and a lemon vinaigrette. Add a few slices of ripe pear or apple for sweetness — the perfect contrast to the salty, smoky meat. Balanced, refreshing, and ideal for a weekend brunch or lunch buffet.
Charcuterie-Style Sharing Board
Create an elegant charcuterie board featuring your Smoked Gammon Hock Terrine, slices of artisan cheese, crackers, and seasonal fruits like figs or grapes. Add bowls of mustard, pickled radishes, and caramelised onion chutney for that irresistible sweet-savoury contrast.
Warm & Hearty Meal Option
For a more substantial dish, serve your terrine slightly warmed alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. Drizzle lightly with warm mustard cream sauce for an indulgent twist on the traditional cold terrine. This version is perfect for winter dining — rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Modern Gastro Pub Twist
Reimagine your terrine as part of a British-inspired tasting menu. Serve it on slate with pea shoots, a soft-boiled quail egg, and a drizzle of apple reduction for a restaurant-quality presentation that wows every time.
Shop the Star Ingredient
For the best flavour and texture, make this recipe using Smoked Gammon Hock (1 kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited — expertly smoked for depth of flavour and ideal for slow cooking, shredding, and terrines. Delivering quality and freshness across the UK, Nicol Retailer Limited is your trusted source for premium British meats and gourmet ingredients.
The Smoked Gammon Hock & Parsley Terrine is a true celebration of British culinary heritage. It is timeless, elegant, and full of honest flavour. Each slice tells a story of tradition and craft: tender smoked gammon, fresh herbs, and delicate jelly coming together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet comforting. It’s ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or casual weekend lunches.
Made using premium Smoked Gammon Hock (1 kg) from Nicol Retailer Limited, this recipe delivers quality you can taste in every bite. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, it’s proof that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create something truly extraordinary.
So why not bring a touch of British tradition to your table? Visit Nicol Retailer Limited to explore our full range of artisan meats, gourmet ingredients, and chef-approved produce — delivered fresh across the UK.
Because every great meal starts with quality. And at Nicol Retailer Limited, quality is our signature.