Ham Cabbage Rice
A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender ham, savory cabbage, and flavorful rice, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings, offering rich smoky and vegetal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the ham bone in water until the broth tastes 'hammy', about 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the head of cabbage, quartered, to the broth and cook until tender.
- Remove the cabbage and keep warm in another pot.
- Add rice to the broth (about 2 1/2 cups) and cook until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic to the broth alongside the ham bone. If you don't have a ham bone, smoked sausage can be a good substitute. To cut down on cooking time, you can use pre-cooked rice. This dish is versatile; feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, like a refreshing Popeye Salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Hot Dog Bacon Wrap-Ups for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cabbage mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Cabbage Rice contains roughly 1412 calories, with 44g protein, 306g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (88% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cabbage is ideal for this recipe as it provides a better texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook it until tender in the broth. Frozen cabbage can turn mushy, so fresh is recommended.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is a great choice since it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. However, brown rice can also work if you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it typically takes longer to cook.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure that they are cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).