Grammie Bea's New England Boiled Dinner
New England boiled dinner is often made with a smoked ham shoulder. The flavor is incredible and makes for a delicious meal. Some people like their vegetables firm and some like them soft and tender, so cook your veggies accordingly. The cooking time for this particular recipe is 4 hrs for an 8 lb ham, or 5 hrs for a 10 lb ham. Another way of cooking veggies is to wait until the ham is cooked and removed from the water, then cook your veggies in the water in the kettle to the desired doneness. Sometimes boneless ham is used and turnip and beets are added.
New England boiled dinner is often made with a smoked ham shoulder. The flavor is incredible and makes for a delicious meal. Some people like their vegetables firm and some like them soft and tender, so cook your veggies accordingly. The cooking time for this particular recipe is 4 hrs for an 8 lb ham, or 5 hrs for a 10 lb ham. Another way of cooking veggies is to wait until the ham is cooked and removed from the water, then cook your veggies in the water in the kettle to the desired doneness. Sometimes boneless ham is used and turnip and beets are added.
- Carbohydrate 42.64286863075 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.327777711 g
- Fiber 6.2735733695301 g
- Protein 4.829901130125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0763586471125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (326g)
- Sodium 51.9023419125 mg
- Sugar 36.3692952612199 g
- Trans Fat 0.0812933133 g
- Calories 187 calories
Step-by-step
- Place ham in a large dutch oven style kettle.
- Cover with cold water, and fill to about 2" above top of ham.
- Cover kettle, and bring to a boil using high heat.
- Turn down to med-high and let boil a few minutes, then drain water, and refill with water 2" above ham, and bring to a boil again over high heat. This method is used to make the ham less salty. (Or you may refrigerate ham overnight in water, and change water several times before cooking instead).
- Once water comes to a boil, turn heat down to med. to med-high making sure it keeps boiling. Keep cover on kettle while cooking.
- Add peeled onions to the kettle.
- Cook ham 1/2 hour per pound of ham. Add some water to the kettle, when it starts getting low.
- Peel and cut potatoes and carrots.
- Wash and core cabbage, then cut into wedges.
- Add vegetables during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking time.
- Serve when veggies are tender, or to your liking.
Grammie Bea's New England Boiled Dinner: A Culinary Journey Through Time
The aroma of simmering ham, the comforting warmth of tender vegetables – there's something truly special about a New England boiled dinner. This isn't just a meal; it's a tradition, a taste of home, a culinary hug passed down through generations. For me, it evokes memories of my own grandmother, Grammie Bea, her kitchen filled with the comforting steam and the happy clatter of pots and pans. Her boiled dinner was legendary, a masterpiece of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.
Growing up, our family gatherings always centered around her kitchen table, laden with this hearty, soul-satisfying meal. The smoked ham shoulder, meltingly tender after hours of slow cooking, was the centerpiece. The rich, savory broth, infused with the essence of onions and herbs, was the perfect canvas for the vibrant colors and textures of the perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the magic of slow cooking and the love poured into every step of the process. Grammie Bea always said the secret was in the patience, the gentle simmering that allowed the flavors to meld and deepen over time.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients, carefully chosen and lovingly prepared, can create a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. It's a recipe that's been passed down through our family, each generation adding their own subtle variations. Some prefer firmer vegetables, others softer; some might add a touch of turnip or beets, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and tastes. But the core remains the same: the heart-warming combination of smoky ham, tender vegetables, and that rich, flavorful broth. This dish is not just sustenance, it is nourishment for both the body and soul. It is the kind of meal that brings families together, creating memories to cherish.
I remember watching Grammie Bea in the kitchen, her hands moving with practiced ease as she peeled potatoes, chopped carrots, and meticulously prepared the ham. Her love was woven into every step of the process, transforming a simple recipe into something truly magical. She would often share stories and anecdotes while she worked, her voice a comforting murmur in the background. These are the memories that the scent of a boiled dinner still brings flooding back to me.
While some might view this as simply a "boiled dinner," it's so much more than that. It's a celebration of simple ingredients, expertly cooked to perfection. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, rustic yet refined. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the enduring power of family traditions.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming, try Grammie Bea’s New England Boiled Dinner. It's a recipe that’s as much about the memories it creates as it is about the delicious food it produces. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your own culinary traditions, bringing warmth, comfort, and the taste of home to your table. Enjoy!
