Earl Cooks Ham Steak with Potatoes and Carrots

Sometimes we remember fondly foods from our youth, and we never go back to these as adults. Both my wife and I ate a dinner favorite, hundreds of miles from one another, when we were young, but I had never thought
about cooking it until a couple of years ago when I saw a Ham Steak on sale and thought I would bring back our youth! I actually thought that since we are empty nesters, this would be much better than buying a whole ham. My wife told me the basic ingredients, which I ignored. The first time, I tried a mustard sauce, but she was unimpressed. So next time I tried the classic.
I start with the bone in fully cooked Smoked Ham Steak, in a dry pan on medium to medium-high heat. I brown it on both sides for flavor. Since it is cured and smoked I don't add more seasonings now. After it has browned, drain any excess liquid, add sliced onion and let them caramelize. I then add the sauce...canned soup! You can use the classic,Cream of Mushroom or if you prefer, Cream of Chicken. I used Progresso, but any brand works, including store labels. Top the soup with small or small chunks of potato, and carrots. We use Gold potatoes most often but use your preference. Make sure you give enough time to cook them. You may want to lift the Ham Steak on top while they cook through. Cover. When cooked through, season with fresh cracked pepper and sea salt to taste.


Ingredients

• 1 Fully cooked Smoked Ham Steak
• 1 small Yellow Onion, sliced thin
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• enough small gold potatoes for 2 (or cut potatoes)
• several carrots, chopped into 2" lengths. Baby carrots work well for this.
• salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

• Brown Ham Steak and drain liquid
• Slice onion and caramelize in pan with ham
• Pour soup, undiluted, over ham and onions
• Top soup, ham & onions with potatoes and carrots
• Finish with fresh cracked pepper and sea salt (careful with the salt...The cured ham is already salty and the soup may have salt too). 

Results

This makes a quick and easy week night meal. It has few ingredients and does not need a bunch of attention. It may be a new experience or may bring back great older experiences!