Hearty Ham, Cabbage Chowder
A hearty, comforting chowder packed with ham, cabbage, and vegetables, perfect for a satisfying meal on a chilly day. Rich flavors and wholesome ingredients shine through.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c celery, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz) can whole kernel corn, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained and cut in half ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can sliced potatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c water ⓘ
- 1/4 c catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 c brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 lb ham, cubed ⓘ
- 3 c cabbage, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, sauté celery, onion, and garlic in oil for 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked ham for a more robust flavor. If you don't have brown sugar, maple syrup can be a great substitute to add sweetness. For a heartier chowder, add diced carrots or bell peppers. Be sure to adjust the liquid if you add more vegetables. Also, feel free to swap out the cabbage for kale for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread for a complete meal, or pair it with a simple side salad for a lighter option. It also pairs beautifully with Mary Louise Jones Casserole for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the chowder thickens too much. This chowder also freezes well; just make sure to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Ham, Cabbage Chowder contains roughly 478 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this chowder?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with diced turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure the meat is cooked beforehand, as this recipe requires minimal cooking time for the protein. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting meat entirely and using vegetable broth.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste, depending on your spice preference.
Is it possible to make this chowder in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this chowder in a slow cooker, sauté the celery, onion, and garlic separately, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the cabbage is tender.
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).