It takes only 10 minutes to prep, and in three hours you'll have the perfect side dish, or you can eat it as the main course, as I often do. The ham is mixed with onions and garlic. As the cabbage slowly cooks, it releases its natural juices, and the ham slowly simmers and makes a sort of sauce. The fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish, while the butter adds just the right amount of nuttiness.