The online magazine
dedicated to the
discussion & revival
of British foodways.

NO.72
FALL/WINTER2023

Boiled Daisy Ham with Vegetables

Serves 4

This is fast food that tastes like it has simmered for hours: It is good in its own right and not just convenient. Daisy hams are also called Boston Butt, and rolled pork shoulder and porkette among other things. By any name they are fully cooked, lean and very good.


Hanging Ham

- a daisy ham (usually 2 – 3 lbs)

- a small Savoy cabbage, cored, trimmed and quartered

- any combination of trimmed leeks, carrots, celery, parsnips and the like

- an onion stuck with 2 – 3 cloves if you like them

- 2 bay leaves

- 6 – 8 peppercorns

- ½ heaped teaspoon dried thyme

- 4 – 6 sprigs of parsley


  1. Put everything but the cabbage in a pot, cover the contents with water, bring to a boil and then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the cabbage and simmer for another half hour or so, until the pork and potatoes are tender.
  3. Slice the pork and serve it with the vegetables.