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
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.
🥘Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Vegetables
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
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.