Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook a mouthwatering dish of ham, cabbage, and potatoes in a slow cooker.
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out. The combination of tender ham, crisp cabbage, and fluffy potatoes is a classic trio that never fails to satisfy.
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together over a long period of time, resulting in a dish that is rich and flavorful. The low and slow cooking method also ensures that the ham becomes incredibly tender, while the cabbage and potatoes soak up all the delicious juices.
Whether you are planning a cozy dinner for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this ham, cabbage, and potatoes recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to make a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking your ham cabbage and potatoes in a slow cooker, it’s important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
| 1 | ham hock or ham bone |
| 1 | head of cabbage |
| 5 | medium-sized potatoes |
| 1 | onion, diced |
| 3 | cloves of garlic, minced |
| 4 | cups of chicken or vegetable broth |
| 1 | teaspoon of dried thyme |
| 1/2 | teaspoon of dried rosemary |
| 1/2 | teaspoon of dried oregano |
| 1/2 | teaspoon of salt |
| 1/4 | teaspoon of black pepper |
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you can proceed with the cooking process.
Cooking the Ham
Once you have your ham, it’s time to get it ready for the slow cooker. Start by trimming off any excess fat from the ham, as too much fat can make the dish greasy.
Next, place the ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably without overcrowding. If your ham is too large for your slow cooker, you can cut it into smaller pieces to fit.
Now it’s time to season the ham. You can use a variety of seasonings depending on your taste preferences. Some popular options include black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Sprinkle the seasonings over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
After seasoning the ham, you can add some liquid to the slow cooker to help keep the ham moist. You can use water, chicken broth, or even apple juice for added flavor. Pour enough liquid to cover the bottom of the slow cooker, but be careful not to submerge the ham completely.
Finally, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the desired cooking time. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the ham and the heat settings of your slow cooker. Generally, cooking a ham in a slow cooker takes around 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
Once the ham is fully cooked, it should be tender and juicy. You can test its doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Now that the ham is ready, you can proceed with cooking the cabbage and potatoes in the slow cooker to complete your delicious meal.
Adding the Cabbage and Potatoes
Once the ham has cooked for 4 hours, it’s time to add the cabbage and potatoes to the slow cooker. This will give them enough time to cook and become tender alongside the ham.
First, peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. This will allow them to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the ham and cabbage.
Next, remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage, and slice it into wedges or chunks. This will help the cabbage cook more quickly and evenly.
Place the chopped potatoes and cabbage into the slow cooker, on top of the ham. Spread them out evenly so that they are in contact with the cooking liquid.
At this point, you can season the vegetables with salt, pepper, or any other desired spices. This will help enhance the flavors of the dish.
Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on low heat for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
Note: If you prefer a softer cabbage, add it to the slow cooker after the potatoes have been cooking for 1-2 hours.
Tip: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or onions to the mix for added flavor and variety.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your ham, cabbage, and potatoes have finished cooking in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious meal. Here are a few tips to make the most of your dish:
1. Plating: Use a large serving spoon to carefully scoop out the cooked ham, cabbage, and potatoes onto individual plates or a serving dish. Make sure to include a good variety of each ingredient for a balanced and flavorful meal.
2. Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as desired. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other seasonings that you prefer to enhance the flavors of the ham, cabbage, and potatoes.
3. Garnishing: For added visual appeal, consider garnishing the dish with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. This will not only make the meal look more appetizing but can also add a touch of freshness to the flavors.
4. Accompaniments: This ham, cabbage, and potatoes dish can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal. However, if you prefer, you can serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a more well-rounded dining experience.
5. Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors of this dish tend to meld together even more as they sit, making the leftovers just as delicious for future meals. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again.
Now that your ham, cabbage, and potatoes dish is ready to serve, gather your loved ones and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal together!
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook ham cabbage and potatoes in a slow cooker?
To cook ham cabbage and potatoes in a slow cooker, it usually takes about 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham pieces and the desired tenderness of the cabbage and potatoes.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the slow cooker if desired. Some popular options include carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may require more or less time to cook.
What can I serve with ham cabbage and potatoes?
Ham cabbage and potatoes can be served as a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add some variety, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a side salad. You can also pair it with some sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a more well-rounded dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator the night before. In the morning, just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and set it to cook. This is a great option for busy mornings or when you want to have a warm meal ready for dinner.
