St. Mary'S County Stuffed Ham
A hearty Maryland specialty featuring corned ham with seasoned greens, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions, combining savory, spicy, and tender flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a 40-quart pot two-thirds full of water and place a rack in the bottom. Bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, chop the cabbage, kale, onions, and celery.
- Place the chopped ingredients in cheesecloth and immerse in boiling water for 7 minutes.
- Add all the spices to a quart jar, cover, and shake well.
- After 7 minutes, remove the chopped greens from water, dump in a shallow pan, and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a high-quality corned ham; it will enhance the flavor of the stuffing. If you can't find fresh kale, consider using frozen kale as a substitute. When chopping the vegetables, try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. If you want to add a smoky flavor, consider incorporating some smoked paprika into the spice mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed ham warm, accompanied by sides like creamy mashed potatoes or Hearty Baked Potato Salad for a filling meal. A crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with hearty bread rolls to soak up any juices. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a tangy mustard sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pot on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the stuffed ham, which can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. Mary'S County Stuffed Ham contains roughly 245 calories, with 17g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (275% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (150% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% 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 prepare the stuffed ham in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to stuff the ham right before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor. You can also cook and refrigerate the whole dish a day in advance, then reheat it before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have cheesecloth?
If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can use a clean, thin kitchen towel or a coffee filter as an alternative. Just ensure that whatever you use is sturdy enough to hold the chopped vegetables during boiling and doesn’t retain any flavors or smells.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the recipe?
You can easily adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of crushed red pepper and ground red pepper used. If you're sensitive to heat, reduce these spices, or omit them entirely for a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more crushed red pepper or even some diced jalapeños.
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).