Pennsylvania Dutch Vegetable Skillet
A hearty Pennsylvania Dutch vegetable skillet featuring tender-crisp vegetables, savory ham, and a sweet-tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, layer cabbage, carrots, broccoli florets, red pepper slices, and ham cubes.
- Pour water over the ingredients and cover the skillet.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving 3/4 cup of the juice.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and cornstarch, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice.
- Cut 6 slices of pineapple in half and add them along with the juice mixture to the skillet.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately over rice or chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ham with firm tofu or tempeh. To enhance the dish, add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable skillet is delicious served over fluffy rice or chow mein noodles. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Pennsylvania Dutch Salad Dressing drizzled over fresh greens or serve with crusty bread. It also pairs well with pork recipes for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Vegetable Skillet contains roughly 20 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since frozen vegetables may release more moisture.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar can mimic the flavor. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar combined with soy sauce works well for a similar tangy taste.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also include diced jalapeños along with the other vegetables for an extra layer of heat.
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).