Ham with Cabbage and Potatoes
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for a chilly evening. Tender ham, fluffy potatoes, and sweet cabbage simmered together in a savory broth. This Irish-American classic is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
Sauté Aromatics
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and optional caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Simmer Ham and Potatoes
- Add the cubed ham, potato chunks, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The potatoes should be starting to become tender.
Add Cabbage and Carrots
- Add the carrot rounds and cabbage wedges to the pot, nestling them into the broth.
- Replace the cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
- The dish is ready when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Finalize and Serve
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Gently stir the stew. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Ladle the ham, vegetables, and broth into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better than starchy potatoes like Russets, which can fall apart.
- 2For a richer flavor, use a leftover ham bone or a smoked ham hock. Add it with the broth and remove it before serving.
- 3Avoid overcooking the cabbage. It should be tender with a slight bite. Mushy cabbage is less appealing.
- 4Since ham is naturally salty, use low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Always taste before adding more salt at the end.
- 5Serve with a dollop of grainy mustard or a side of horseradish cream for a traditional tangy contrast.
- 6This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
For a richer, creamier broth, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat sour cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.
Sausage SubstituteSausage Substitute
Replace the ham with 1.5 lbs of sliced smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille. Brown the sausage after sautéing the onions for extra flavor.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary along with the bay leaf for a more complex, earthy flavor.
Add a KickAdd a Kick
For a touch of heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the first step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is crucial for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots provides a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Packed with Key Nutrients
This dish is nutrient-dense. Carrots provide Vitamin A for vision health, while potatoes offer potassium, which is important for blood pressure regulation and heart function.
Provides Quality Protein
Ham is a key source of complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and overall body function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this dish contains approximately 585 calories, though this can vary based on the specific type of ham and size of vegetables used.