Are you craving a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further! This boiled ham and cabbage recipe is a classic for a reason. It's a simple dish packed with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe offers a healthy and satisfying option, utilizing readily available ingredients to create a truly delightful dish. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 (2-3 pound) bone-in ham, shank portion preferred (or a ham steak)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and quartered
- 8 cups of water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Place the ham in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the water, ensuring the ham is fully submerged. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme.
Cooking the Ham and Cabbage:
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Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the ham is tender. For a ham steak, reduce cooking time to 45-60 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your ham. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the ham; it should easily pierce the meat.
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After about 1.5 hours of simmering, add the quartered cabbage to the pot. Continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender, about 30-45 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the cabbage.
Serving Your Delicious Meal:
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Remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
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Serve the ham with the cooked cabbage and the flavorful broth. You can thicken the broth slightly by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and whisking it into the simmering broth during the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips for the Best Boiled Ham and Cabbage:
- For extra flavor, you can add other vegetables like potatoes or turnips to the pot along with the cabbage.
- If you prefer a sweeter ham, add a cup of brown sugar or maple syrup to the cooking liquid.
- Don't overcook the cabbage. It should be tender but still hold its shape.
- The leftover broth is delicious! Use it as a base for soup or gravy.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham and Cabbage: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pot for a little heat.
- Garlic Ham and Cabbage: Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic along with the other vegetables.
- Apple Cider Ham and Cabbage: Substitute apple cider for some of the water for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Moderate
This easy recipe for boiled ham and cabbage is a fantastic example of a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The simple cooking method and readily available ingredients make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!