ham boiled dinner recipe

The Best ham boiled dinner recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the classic ham boiled dinner. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect example of comfort food at its best. The ham boiled dinner is a traditional recipe that originated in the Southern United States, where it was often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

The dish typically consists of a juicy ham, surrounded by an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and green beans, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. When I make this recipe, my kids always get excited – they love the anticipation of waiting for the vegetables to be tender and the ham to be perfectly cooked. It’s a dish that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face.

I remember my grandmother telling me that this recipe was a staple in her household when she was growing up, and it’s been passed down through generations of my family. The key to making a great ham boiled dinner is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the dish slowly over low heat, allowing all the flavors to meld together. When you take your first bite, you’ll know exactly why this recipe has been a favorite for so long – the combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables, and rich broth is simply irresistible.

I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of ham, but I always come back to good old-fashioned bone-in ham – it’s the real deal! My kids love helping me prepare this meal, and they’re always eager to get involved in the process. They love watching the vegetables cook down until they’re tender, and they never tire of taking bites from the still-sizzling hot ham.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal. It’s also incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat later – just throw everything into a slow cooker or Dutch oven and let it do its magic! The health benefits of this recipe are numerous – not only does it provide an excellent source of protein, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals from all the colorful vegetables.

When you serve this dish at your next family gathering or potluck, I guarantee you’ll be the talk of the town – it’s that good!

Ham Boiled Dinner

Ham Boiled Dinner

4.9 from 1668 votes

A classic one-pot meal featuring a tender ham steak simmered with hearty vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, with the ham infusing the vegetables with rich, savory flavor.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs ham steak or ham shank
6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns

Vegetables

4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 small head green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the ham in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and add the water or broth.
2Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
3Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
4The ham should be tender and the broth fragrant.
5After 45 minutes, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.
6Return the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
7The carrots and potatoes should be nearly tender when pierced with a fork.
8Add the cabbage wedges and parsnips (if using) to the pot.
9Cover and continue to simmer on low heat for another 20 to 25 minutes.
10The cabbage should be tender but still hold its shape, and all vegetables should be fully cooked.
11Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the ham and vegetables to a large serving platter.
12Remove and discard the bay leaves.
13Let the ham rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
14Serve the sliced ham with the vegetables and a ladle of the cooking broth.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts)
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Slotted spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, soak the ham in cold water for 1 hour before cooking to reduce saltiness. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth for extra brightness.

Watch Video Of How Ham Boiled Dinner Works

For storing leftovers, let the ham and vegetables cool completely, then place them in separate airtight containers. The ham will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and the vegetables and broth can be stored together. When you are ready to reheat, I recommend using a pot on the stove over medium low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the stovetop method keeps the texture better. Leftover ham is great sliced cold for sandwiches or chopped into soups and casseroles. For serving ideas, I often shred the leftover ham and mix it with the vegetables and broth to make a hearty hash.

You can also use the broth as a base for bean soup or lentil stew. This recipe is always a good idea for family gatherings because it feeds a crowd with minimal effort. The whole meal comes together in one pot, so cleanup is easy, and everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Whether it is a holiday, a Sunday dinner, or just a cold night, ham boiled dinner is a reliable, comforting choice that my family always enjoys.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Boiled Dinner

Q: What type of ham should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I highly recommend using bone-in ham. The bone adds flavor and tenderness to the meat that you won’t get with boneless ham.

Q: Can I substitute other vegetables for the ones listed in the recipe?

Of course! While traditional carrots, potatoes, and green beans are classic choices for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips.

Q: How long should I cook the ham before adding the vegetables?

Cooking time will depend on your stovetop or oven setup – about 30 minutes should give you enough time to brown the ham nicely before adding your veggies.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the ham in a skillet first (if desired), then transfer everything to your slow cooker with some liquid (broth or stock) added on top.

Q: Is there anything special I need to watch out for when reheating leftovers?

Be sure not enough liquid is left over after cooking; add more if necessary so things don’t dry out during warming.

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