Looking for a traditional dinner that’s simple, hearty and stretches to a second meal? This Irish ham and potatoes recipe is a family favourite for good reason — it’s easy to put together, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
When planning this dinner, ask your butcher for a large piece of ham, not too cured. It’s worth cooking a bigger piece than you’d need for just one meal, as the leftovers are fantastic eaten cold or turned into another dish entirely.
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Irish Ham and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2lbs ham, not too cured
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Fresh parsley
Method:
1. Fill a large pot with cold water then put the ham inside. Bring the pot to the boil so the salt content in the ham seeps out. The water takes on a slick appearance, with speckles of blue dancing over the top from the cure.
2. Covered, simmer the ham for 90 minutes. As it simmers, white bubbles of froth form and disappear back into the water.
3. Add the potatoes into the bubbling pot with the ham, as the water will impart a little seasoning and flavour to them. You could also cook them separately if you prefer.
4. Leave the potatoes for 15 minutes, then add the roughly chopped carrots for the last 10-12 minutes before removing the pot from the heat.
5. In a smaller saucepan, melt butter with a little flour and cook it off, then bit by bit add a half-and-half mixture of warm milk and some decanted cooking liquor from the boiling pot.
6. Stir through finely chopped parsley at this stage, or sprinkle it over the plate of food before serving.
This is the food that generations of Irish families have cooked before us — wholesome, nourishing, frugal and high in nutrients. It’s the kind of dinner that quietly becomes a tradition in your own house too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of ham for this recipe?
Yes. A large, not-too-cured joint works best for gentle simmering, but you can adjust the cut to what your butcher recommends — just allow extra or less simmering time depending on the size of the piece.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the ham can be cooked in advance and reheated gently, or served cold. Many families find the flavour is even better the next day.
What can I do with the leftovers?
Leftover ham is brilliant sliced cold in sandwiches, or used to make dishes like a hearty ham and pea pasta.
Do I need to add the potatoes and carrots to the same pot as the ham?
It’s optional. Cooking them in the ham’s cooking water adds extra flavour, but you can cook them separately if you’d prefer to keep things simpler.
Related Articles
- Quick and Easy Traditional Recipe for Irish Soda Bread
- Leftover Ham? Try This Hearty Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
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