This recipe is a simple and tasty way to make use of leftover ham. It's a comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with the subtle sweetness of cooked onions and celery, all bound together with wide egg noodles. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch.
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and can be found in most supermarkets. One ingredient that may not be readily available at home is wide egg noodles. They are a type of pasta that are broad and flat. You can typically find them in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store. If you can't find wide egg noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles or pasta.
Ingredients for Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
Ham slice: The star ingredient of this recipe, providing a savory and smoky flavor. Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish. Garlic Clove: Provides a pungent flavor that complements the ham well. Water: Used to simmer the ham and cook the noodles. Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish when cooked. Celery Stalks: They give the dish a slight crunch and freshness. Wide Egg Noodles: A type of pasta that is broad and flat, which soaks up the flavors of the dish well.
One reader, Barnie Rudolph says:
This leftover ham and noodles recipe is a game-changer! It's a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and create a delicious meal. The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so comforting. It's a definite winner for a quick and satisfying dinner. Highly recommended!
Essential Techniques for Preparing Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
How to simmer the ham: Simmer the ham in water with black pepper and garlic for about 15 minutes until it's tender and flavorful.
How to cook the vegetables: Add the onion and celery to the simmering ham and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
How to cook the noodles: Add the wide egg noodles to the pot and cook until they are al dente.
How to serve: Serve the leftover ham and noodles hot and enjoy the delicious meal!
How To Make Leftover Ham and Noodles
Made in just 30 minutes, this noodles recipe loads up on hearty leftover ham, tender celery and egg noodles, all simmered in a savory broth!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1ham slice
- ground black pepper,to taste
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 6cupswater
- 1onion,chopped
- 2celery stalks,chopped
- 16ozwide egg noodles,(1 package)
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the ham, black pepper, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
-
Add the onion and celery, then continuing cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Add the noodles, and cook until al dente.
-
Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 311.77kcal
- Fat: 3.84g
- Saturated Fat: 1.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.07g
- Carbohydrates: 57.24g
- Fiber: 3.40g
- Sugar: 2.50g
- Protein: 11.94g
- Cholesterol: 66.16mg
- Sodium: 90.49mg
- Calcium: 50.40mg
- Potassium: 278.97mg
- Iron: 3.26mg
- Vitamin A: 16.07µg
- Vitamin C: 2.30mg
How To Make Leftover Ham And Noodles
No food shall go to waste with this Leftover Ham and Noodles recipe made with ham and celery deliciously simmered with black pepper, garlic, and onion.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1sliceham
- ground black pepper,to taste
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 6cupswater
- 1onion,chopped
- 2celery stalks,chopped
- 1pkgwide egg noodles,(16 oz)
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine ham, black pepper, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
-
Add onion and celery; continuing cooking for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
-
Add noodles, and cook until al dente. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 238.93kcal
- Fat: 3.00g
- Saturated Fat: 0.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
- Carbohydrates: 43.71g
- Fiber: 2.76g
- Sugar: 2.14g
- Protein: 9.26g
- Cholesterol: 50.26mg
- Sodium: 86.50mg
- Calcium: 43.52mg
- Potassium: 232.03mg
- Iron: 2.50mg
- Vitamin A: 12.84µg
- Vitamin C: 2.30mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Leftover Ham and Noodles
When simmering the ham, black pepper, garlic, and water, make sure to keep the heat low to medium. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and infuse the water, creating a rich and flavorful broth for the noodles. If the heat is too high, the water may evaporate too quickly, leaving you with less broth and potentially overcooked ham.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Leftover Ham and Noodles
Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time when making the recipe.
One-pot wonder: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze for future quick and easy meals.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Organize ingredients: Arrange ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner before starting to cook for efficient workflow.
Time-saving shortcuts: Incorporate pre-cut or pre-cooked ingredients to cut down on prep time.
Follow recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time in the kitchen.
Efficient multitasking: Coordinate tasks to cook multiple components simultaneously and reduce overall cooking time.
Clean as you go: Tidy up and wash dishes while cooking to minimize post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
ham slice - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey has a similar smoky flavor and texture to ham, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water can add extra flavor to the dish and enhance the overall savory profile.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
wide egg noodles - Substitute with pappardelle pasta: Pappardelle pasta is wide and flat, similar to egg noodles, and can be used as a substitute to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
How to Beautifully Present Leftover Ham and Noodles
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add color and vibrancy to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots to add a delightful crunch.
Emphasize the aroma: Before serving, drizzle a hint of truffle oil over the dish to enhance the overall aroma and provide a luxurious touch.
Highlight the main ingredients: Showcase the star of the dish, the leftover ham, by arranging it in an artful manner, drawing attention to its succulent and flavorful nature.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the dish strikes a perfect balance of flavors by incorporating a touch of lemon zest to add a refreshing citrus note.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as using a delicate microgreen garnish, to demonstrate precision and care in the presentation.
Utilize elegant plating tools: Employ specialized plating tools, such as tweezers, to delicately position the elements on the plate, showcasing finesse and attention to detail.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the noodles and vegetables in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component complements the others to create a harmonious composition on the plate.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Leftover Ham and Noodles
Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot with a lid, used for cooking soups, sauces, and boiling water.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad, tapered blade, used for chopping, slicing, and mincing.
Strainer: A perforated bowl-shaped kitchen utensil used to strain liquids and separate solids from liquids.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Stove: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to the base of cookware.
Tongs: A kitchen tool consisting of two arms with a pivot joint, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged perforations used for shredding or grating foods.
Wooden spoon: A utensil typically used for stirring, mixing, and serving hot foods.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
Strainer: A perforated bowl-shaped kitchen utensil used to strain liquids and separate solids from liquids.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces and other liquids.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Leftover Ham and Noodles
Allow the leftover ham and noodles to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will prevent excess moisture from accumulating and maintain the quality of the dish.
If you plan to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days, store them in the refrigerator. Make sure the container or bag is sealed tightly to prevent any air from entering and causing spoilage.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Transfer the cooled ham and noodles to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
When freezing, consider dividing the leftovers into individual portions. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need for future meals, making it more convenient and reducing waste.
Label the container or bag with the date of storage and the contents. Leftover ham and noodles can be safely frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen ham and noodles, first, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, transfer the contents to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat until thoroughly warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If the reheated noodles seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture and improve the texture.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Ham and Noodles
Microwave: place the leftover ham and noodles in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist. cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Stovetop: transfer the leftover ham and noodles to a saucepan and add a small amount of water or broth. heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the noodles are tender. if the noodles seem dry, add more liquid as needed.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). place the leftover ham and noodles in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly, if desired.
Slow cooker: if you have a larger portion of leftover ham and noodles, you can reheat them in a slow cooker. transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker, add a small amount of water or broth, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through. stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Stir-fry: for a different take on leftover ham and noodles, try stir-frying them. heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. add the leftovers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. you can also add additional vegetables or seasonings to create a new dish.
Fascinating Trivia About Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
Ham and noodles are a classic comfort food combination that can be traced back to the Great Depression. During this time, people had to make do with what they had, and leftover ham and noodles were a common and affordable meal. This dish has since become a beloved tradition in many households, offering a delicious way to use up leftovers and create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: Is Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this leftover ham and noodles recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, leftover ham and noodles, are budget-friendly and easily accessible. The addition of onion, garlic, and celery enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. This recipe offers a hearty meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $10, making it a cost-effective option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Is Leftover Ham and Noodles Healthy or Unhealthy?
The leftover ham and noodles recipe, while comforting and tasty, may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed meat (ham), which is high in sodium and has been linked to an increased risk of certain health issues when consumed in excess.
- The dish lacks a significant source of vegetables, which are essential for providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Egg noodles are made from refined flour, which has been stripped of its nutritional value and can cause blood sugar spikes.
However, the recipe does include some positive elements, such as the use of onion and celery, which provide some nutrients and flavor.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of ham and replace it with a leaner protein source, such as chicken breast or tofu.
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the dish. Add carrots, peas, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and fiber.
- Swap the egg noodles for whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles to increase the fiber content and reduce the refined carbohydrates.
- Use low-sodium broth instead of water to add flavor without relying on excessive salt.
- Incorporate herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the taste while reducing the need for salt.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
This leftover ham and noodles recipe is a simple and comforting dish that makes great use of leftover ham. The combination of ham, garlic, and vegetables creates a flavorful broth that infuses the noodles with delicious taste. However, to enhance the dish, consider adding herbs or spices for extra depth of flavor. Additionally, incorporating some fresh herbs or a splash of cream at the end of cooking can elevate the overall dish. Overall, it's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences.
Enhance Your Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Leftover Ham and Noodles
Why trust this Leftover Ham and Noodles Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover ham and create a satisfying meal. The combination of ham and noodles is a classic comfort food that many people enjoy. The use of fresh garlic, onion, and celery adds depth of flavor and nutrients to the dish. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The egg noodles provide a hearty base for the dish, and the addition of ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile. Trust in this recipe to transform your leftovers into a delightful meal.
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