Come across a bunch of ham hocks and have some spare time? Let’s make the most delicious pork dish ever or let’s make two at the same time!

Ham hocks and pork belly don’t sound like the most desirable part of the pork, but once a properly prepared ham hock is served to anyone who even remotely likes pork, they will be hooked for life on ham hocks.

Where are the ham hocks of the world?

Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky that have their local IKEA selling braised ham hocks or even any restaurants at all to try them out. No wonder the penetration of this really delicious dish into our everyday faces challenges not just from past prejudices about fat but from our own ignorance too.

Many of us really devoted to bacon which is actually cured pork belly but preparing pork belly at home or having it in restaurants -which is a completely different experience- hasn’t broken into the mainstream yet either.

Why don’t ham hocks rule the world?

It’s not like ham hocks aren’t available, as probably we can get them at any butcher shop where they sell pork or in worst case scenarios order them but braise, cook or roast them takes more than many of us willing to sacrifice from their life on an average Tuesday night.

Apart from their long preparation time, ham hocks don’t require much fiddling though, so it comes to no surprise that many nations couldn’t imagine life without them.

Who makes the best ham hocks?

Germans really love them and as one would expect with sauerkraut while others like the Spanish even have them in their IKEA. Nothing’s better than to start an excruciating 3 hours stroll with a full belly except maybe finishing it with a full belly too.

But we don’t have to go over the pond to find examples for ham hock recipes as the soul cousin of the American South is unimaginable without the iconic ham hocks.

Depending on our mood, we can prepare ham hocks in various ways and even shorten its cooking time if we have a pressure cooker. Also, we can cheat a little or rather hit two meals with one bone.

How to prepare ham hocks?

We can simply braise our ham hocks in the oven, but we can also cook them in water and use the remaining water as pork stock, soup or even better ham hock and beans soup.

Of course, we can use other long cook time legumes with the ham hocks like chickpeas or lentils. It’s recommended to try the chosen type of beans, lentils, or chickpeas beforehand to get some idea about the required cooking time though. Some lentils and beans can get ready under and hour and that’s far from the required time for a ham hock.

Depending on the age of the pork, we may spend hours with the ham hocks simmering in the water so if we have beans that require less time just cook the meat without them for an hour. When the meat is getting tender add the beans and cook it ready.

We can use the meat to serve it with the soup or popping it under the broiler until it gets a nice roasted golden-brown color on all sides.

Is there a way around ham hocks?

The hardest part of making ham hock is to bear the excruciatingly long cooking times with empty stomach. If we are lucky enough though, we may have an IKEA next to us and a quick stroll along the isles will take our mind off thinking about ham hocks, at least for now.

Ingredients

Ham hock soup with beans

2 tablespoons / 20g Lard or cooking oil
2 medium / 300g Onions (diced)
2 medium / 150gCarrot (diced)
3 stalks / 150g Celery (diced)
3 teaspoons / 15g Salt (only if not cured ham hock is used)
3 cloves / 12g Garlic
1 teaspoon / 3g Black pepper
1 teaspoon / 2g Paprika
1 medium / 150g Tomato
2 lb / 1000g Ham hocks
1 lb / 500g Beans
8 cups / 2000g Water
Optional extra:
- Carrot (sliced)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- …

Ham hock soup with vegetables

2 lb / 1000g Ham hock
1 medium / 150g Onion
½ piece / 50g Green pepper
3 cloves / 12g Garlic (crushed)
3 medium / 200g Carrots (whole)
1 medium / 150g Tomato
1 bunch / 30g Parsley
3 teaspoons / 15g Salt
1 teaspoon / 3g Black pepper (whole)
8 cups / 2000g Water
Vegetables to consider
- Carrot (sliced)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- …

How to make Ham hocks soup

Ham hock soup with beans

Pour oil into a pot and on high heat saute the diced onion, celery, carrots and salt until the onion gets a glassy / translucent look for about 3 -5 minutes.
Mix in the diced garlic, black pepper, paprika and the ham hocks. If we have quick cooking beans or any other legumes like lentils, we have to precook the ham hock now. Pour water into to the pot until the ham hocks are submerged, bring it to boil and on low heat simmer them for an hour.
Add beans, tomatoes and fill the pot up with water until all the ingredients are submerged.
Put the lid on and bring the water to boil then simmer until the beans are ready on low heat which could be anywhere between 60 – 120 minutes. Optionally, add more vegetables to the soup like broccoli, brussel sprouts 10 minutes before finishing the soup.

Enjoy!

Ham hock soup with vegetables

Place all the ingredients into a pot.
Fill the pot up with water until all the ingredients are submerged.
Put the lid on bring the water to boil then on low heat simmer the soup for about 2 hours until the meat is tender and comes off the bones easily.
Add vegetables to the soup and cook them ready in about 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

Note: Once the ham hock is cooked it can be roasted under the broiler in 10 minutes that will serve as a perfect main meal. Cooking ham hock with vegetables is the perfect stock for later meals, store it in batches.

If ham hock was a joy check out some other mouthwatering happy feet that can be served at the table:

F.A.Q.

What are ham hock and beans?

Ham hock and beans are a classic dish made from smoked ham hock, which is a joint of pork from the pig’s leg, and dried beans, typically white beans or navy beans.

How are ham hock and beans prepared?

Ham hock and beans are prepared by soaking the dried beans overnight to rehydrate them. The ham hock is then added to a pot along with the beans, water, and various seasonings. The dish is slow-cooked until the beans are tender and infused with the flavors of the ham hock.

What is the role of the ham hock in this dish?

The ham hock serves as the main flavoring agent in the dish. As it cooks, the ham hock releases its smoky and savory flavors into the beans, giving them a rich and delicious taste. The meat from the ham hock also adds texture and depth to the dish.

Can other types of beans be used?

Yes, while white beans or navy beans are commonly used, we can experiment with different types of beans according to preference. Some popular alternatives include pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans. Each type of bean will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives to ham hock and beans?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives available. Instead of using ham hock, we can use smoked tofu or tempeh to achieve a similar smoky flavor. Alternatively, liquid smoke or smoked paprika can be added to enhance the taste. Vegetable broth or mushroom broth can be used as a substitute for meat-based broth to cook the beans.

How long does it take to cook ham hock and beans?

The cooking time for ham hock and beans can vary depending on the recipe and the desired tenderness of the beans. Generally, it takes around 2 to 3 hours of simmering on low heat to fully cook the beans and allow the flavors to develop. However, some recipes may require longer cooking times for a richer taste.

What are some serving suggestions for ham hock and beans?

Ham hock and beans are often served as a main course accompanied by cornbread, rice, or crusty bread. We can also serve them with a side of greens, such as collard greens or steamed vegetables, to balance out the flavors. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a refreshing touch.

Can ham hock and beans be made in advance?

Yes, ham hock and beans can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors often develop further if the dish is refrigerated overnight and reheated before serving. Store the cooked ham hock and beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Are ham hock and beans a healthy dish?

Ham hock and beans can be a nutritious dish as it provides a good source of protein and dietary fiber from the beans. However, ham hock is high in sodium and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions or health concerns. Using leaner cuts of ham or reducing the amount of ham hock can make the dish healthier.