Old Fashion Boil Dinner
A hearty Southern-style boiled dinner featuring tender smoked ham, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the smoked picnic ham shoulder in a large pan of cold water and wash the cabbage, then cut it into fourths.
- Add the ham and cabbage to the pan.
- Add the peeled potatoes cut in halves, peeled carrots cut in halves, and peeled onions cut into fourths.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2 hours.
- Serve with homemade bread and a slice of pie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices such as peppercorns or bay leaves to the cooking water. If you want to reduce the sodium content, you can use a low-sodium ham. For extra color and taste, add some chopped celery or bell peppers. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly for consistent cooking, and feel free to experiment with other root vegetables like parsnips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old Fashion Boil Dinner with homemade bread for a hearty meal. A slice of pie, such as apple or pumpkin, makes for a delightful dessert. To enhance the meal, consider pairing it with a refreshing side like Hidden Valley Green Pea Salad, which adds a nice contrast to the richness of the ham.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham and vegetables in a pot with a splash of water and heat on low until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Boil Dinner contains roughly 711 calories, with 22g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1981mg per serving (86% 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 a different type of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the picnic ham with other cuts of pork, such as a shoulder roast or even a smoked sausage. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations.
What can I do with the leftover broth?
The leftover broth is flavorful and can be used as a base for soups or stews. You can strain it and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in portions for future use in dishes like Pork Bar-B-Stew.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, place the ham and vegetables in the slow cooker with enough water to cover them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the ham is heated through.
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).