Savory Cabbage and Noodles with Ham: A Comfort Food Classic

Cabbage and noodles, a simple yet deeply satisfying dish, has been a staple in many cultures for generations. The addition of ham elevates this humble dish to a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious and comforting cabbage and noodles with ham, offering variations and tips to customize it to your own taste.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe relies on readily available and inexpensive ingredients, making it an accessible and budget-friendly meal.
* **Flavorful Combination:** The sweetness of caramelized cabbage, the savory saltiness of ham, and the comforting texture of noodles create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
* **Customizable:** The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences.
* **One-Pot Wonder (Optional):** With a few modifications, this dish can be made in a single pot, minimizing cleanup.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Cabbage and noodles with ham tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together over time.

## Ingredients

* **1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and shredded**
* **1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil**
* **1 large onion, chopped**
* **2-3 cloves garlic, minced**
* **8 ounces cooked ham, diced**
* **1 pound egg noodles (wide or medium)**
* **4 tablespoons butter**
* **1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)**
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste**
* **Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, caraway seeds, paprika, vinegar**

## Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large pot (for boiling noodles)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Colander

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Cabbage

* **Core the Cabbage:** Remove the tough core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. Cut the cabbage in half or quarters to make it easier to handle.
* **Shred the Cabbage:** Shred the cabbage thinly using a knife or a mandoline. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment.

### 2. Cook the Noodles

* **Boil Water:** Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
* **Cook the Noodles:** Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the skillet.
* **Drain the Noodles:** Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and set aside.

### 3. Sauté the Aromatics

* **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.
* **Sauté the Onion:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### 4. Cook the Cabbage

* **Add the Cabbage:** Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. You may need to add the cabbage in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
* **Season the Cabbage:** Season the cabbage with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as caraway seeds or paprika.
* **Cook the Cabbage:** Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and slightly caramelized. This will take about 20-30 minutes. If the cabbage starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan.

### 5. Add the Ham

* **Add the Ham:** Add the diced ham to the skillet with the cabbage and stir to combine.
* **Cook the Ham:** Cook the ham for a few minutes, until it is heated through.

### 6. Combine Everything

* **Add the Noodles:** Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet with the cabbage and ham.
* **Add the Butter:** Add the butter to the skillet and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
* **Add the Broth:** Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and stir to coat the noodles and cabbage.
* **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

### 7. Serve

* **Season to Taste:** Taste the cabbage and noodles with ham and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* **Serve Hot:** Serve the cabbage and noodles with ham hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Type of Cabbage:** While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can also use red cabbage for a different flavor and color. Savoy cabbage is another good option, as it is more tender than green cabbage.
* **Type of Ham:** You can use any type of cooked ham for this recipe, such as leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or ham steak. Smoked ham will add a deeper, smokier flavor.
* **Type of Noodles:** Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this dish, but you can also use other types of noodles, such as wide noodles, bow tie pasta, or even spaetzle.
* **Vegetarian Version:** To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
* **Add Caraway Seeds:** Caraway seeds are a classic addition to cabbage dishes and add a distinctive flavor. Add about 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds along with the salt and pepper.
* **Add Paprika:** Paprika adds a touch of smoky flavor and color to the dish. Add about 1 teaspoon of paprika along with the salt and pepper. You can use sweet paprika, smoked paprika, or hot paprika, depending on your preference.
* **Add Vinegar:** A splash of vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the cabbage and the saltiness of the ham. Add about 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar towards the end of cooking.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **One-Pot Method:** To make this dish in one pot, start by browning the ham in the pot. Then, remove the ham and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Add the cabbage and cook until softened. Add the broth and noodles to the pot and cook until the noodles are tender. Finally, add the ham back to the pot and heat through.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamier dish.
* **Use Bacon:** Instead of ham, use bacon. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove it from the pan and crumble it. Use the bacon fat to cook the onion and cabbage. Add the crumbled bacon back to the pan at the end of cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

Cabbage and noodles with ham is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover cabbage and noodles with ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the cabbage and noodles with ham in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Conclusion

Cabbage and noodles with ham is a comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, this recipe is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this classic dish as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a truly special meal, appreciated by all. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and seasonings to create your own unique version of this beloved dish. Happy cooking!