New England Baked Dinner
A hearty New England classic featuring tender ham with seasonal vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the ham shank in a large Dutch oven.
- Cover the ham with water and cook for 1 hour.
- Add peeled and cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
- Add cabbage quarters and continue cooking until all vegetables are soft, but not mushy.
- Drain the cooked ingredients and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a few whole peppercorns to the water while cooking the ham. If you don't have fresh cabbage, you can substitute with frozen cabbage. Ensure that the vegetables are cut evenly for uniform cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham shank and the amount of vegetables used to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New England Baked Dinner hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving with Kielbasa Supper. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ham and vegetables in a pot with a splash of water and heat over low until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave portions for a quick meal. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Baked Dinner contains roughly 187 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (208% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different cut of ham?
Yes, you can substitute a boneless ham or a pork shoulder if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as boneless cuts may require less cooking time. Ensure to check the internal temperature for doneness, aiming for at least 145°F.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor. Green beans or peas can also be a great addition during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by placing the ham and water in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Add the vegetables in the last 2 hours of cooking for optimal texture.
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).