You might think that these ham hock recipes are full of southern charm, but did you know that northerners also know our way around a hock? Let me show you!
If you’re in the mood to comfort the soul’s food, these are the recipes you’ll need.
After all, ham hocks
make many things taste better, including green beans, kale, and potato soup
.
Basically, if you’re making tasty food for the soul, ham hocks are a must.
However, you don’t just have to add hocks to other things. They also taste amazing on their own, as you’ll see with these amazing ham hock recipes.
How to cook ham hocks
1. Pinto beans with ham socks
Pintos are another one of those things that people think is a “southern” staple. But they’re not, or at least, they’re not just a southern staple.
I’m pretty sure everyone’s grandma knows how to fix a classic bowl of pinto beans. It doesn’t matter where they’re originally from.
That’s why this bowl of bean soup and ham hock is so comforting. Just smelling them cooking on the stove will feel like going home.
This recipe is worth it just for the nostalgia factor. Fortunately, beans also taste amazing.
They’re plentiful, salty, smoky, and delicious, and ham hock is a big part of that
.
Try this recipe; then try pintos without ham hock. I promise you’ll notice the difference.
2. Ham and white bean soup
Ham and white bean soup is another classic recipe that will transport you to your childhood
.
It is a wonderful soup that warms the belly and is perfect for winter
.
Beans and other vegetables provide plenty of fresh flavors, while ham hocks add a salty softness that is incredibly filling.
Add some Italian seasoning, garlic, and Tabasco for flavor, and you’re done. It should not take more than 10 minutes of preparation work.
3. Braised ham hocks
It doesn’t take much to make tender and succulent braised ham hocks. In fact, all you’ll need is about five minutes of preparation time and just three ingredients.
Beat them with nothing but the hocks, oil and vegetable broth, and they’ll be super juicy with plenty of natural flavor
.
Accompany them with a light salad or other vegetables for a hearty and healthy meal
.
4. German Ham Hock
Germany also has its own traditional ham hocks recipe. Combine allspice, black pepper, red pepper flakes, bay leaves and mustard seeds.
The recipe leaves the hocks smoked, seasoned and perfectly seasoned. It also keeps them good and juicy, so you don’t need to worry about dried and hard meat.
Usually, German chefs serve this with boiled potatoes and sauerkraut. But you can pair them with whatever you want.
5. 15-bean soup with
smoked ham socks
People often make 15-bean soup with bacon. But did you know you’ll get the same meaty, salty taste at a fraction of the cost with ham hocks?
Full of garlic, thyme, onion and other herbs and vegetables, it is a great soup for autumn.
It’s a fantastic “sticking to ribs” dish that smells as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s thick and full of things that are good for you.
It’s hard to argue with that
.
6. Whipped kale with ham hocks
Are you constantly looking for new ways to get your kids to eat vegetables? If so, this ham hock recipe will be your new best friend.
These cabbages may not seem as appetizing (at least to a child).
But if you can get them to take that first bite, the taste will make them reach more
.
Ham hock completely changes the taste of vegetables, adding a delicious smoky salinity that reduces their bitterness
.
In addition, you will add onions and garlic, which always make things taste better.
So if you want the most tender and tasty kale imaginable, use this recipe.
7. Ham
and potato soup
Thick and creamy potato soup is always a delight. It tastes even better when you add ham hock.
This thick soup is earthy, herbal, tasty and absolutely delicious
.
You will thicken it with whipped cream and add salt and pepper to taste
.
However, go easy with salt, as ham hock adds quite a bit of salinity
.
8. Ham Hock
in beer, honey and mustard
I promise you’ve never had a ham hock that tastes so good
!
As much as I enjoy the two recipes above, and I do! – This is easily my favorite
.
Beer, honey and mustard combine to give the meat the best flavor. It is sweet, smoky, salty and a little acidic.
And that doesn’t even include all the herbs you’ll use
!
You’ll also load it with garlic, thyme, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and more
!
Honestly, the ingredient list for this ham hock is crazy! It looks like you’re making a Thanksgiving turkey!
Thanks to all these ingredients, the skin crunches beautiful and golden. The flesh inside is juicy and falls off the tender bone.
Try it only once, and you’ll want to use this recipe from here on out
.
9
.
We have already established that pinto beans taste better with ham hock. Well, green beans do too.
These vitamin-packed legumes are incredibly tender and have plenty
of flavor.
The smoked and salted ham hock infuses every bite, while the garlic and red pepper flakes add another depth of flavor that makes it hard not to love these
.
Best of all, they take just five minutes to prepare – the slow cooker will do everything else for you.
No fuss, no muss!
10. Red beans and rice with smoked ham hocks
I’ll end up with something a little different. This recipe is perfect for those who want something with a Cajun twist.
Red beans and rice are pretty tasty, no matter how you make them. This recipe, however, ensures that they are tastier.
Not only will you add smoked
sausages and vegetables, but you will also add two pounds of smoked ham hocks.
Talk about a delicious meal! It doesn’t get any more appetizing than that.
