Ella Walter
Ham hocks are a cheap, tasty, and tender cut of meat that can be slow-cooked in a crock pot with a variety of ingredients. Ham hocks are usually brined and smoked, and can be purchased from a butcher or grocer. They are a great way to add flavour to a meal, and can be cooked with a variety of vegetables and pulses, such as beans, peas, and lentils. This article will explore the different ways to cook smoked ham hocks in a crock pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Soup, stew, collard greens, pork and beans |
| Ingredients | Smoked ham hocks, split peas, soup beans, chicken stock, water, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, tomatoes, potatoes, lentils, cannellini beans, great northern beans, pink beans, white kidney beans, turnips, mustard greens, turkey wings |
| Crockpot/slow cooker temperature | Low or high |
| Crockpot/slow cooker time | 3-12 hours |
| Preparation | Clean ham hocks by massaging them under warm water, add salt and cover with water |
| Post-cooking | Skim the solid layer of fat from the ham hocks, separate the meat from the bones, fat and skin, add meat back to the stock |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare ham hocks for cooking
Ham hocks are a great, affordable option for a tasty meal. They are usually brined and smoked, and you can buy them from your local butcher or grocer.
To prepare ham hocks for cooking, start by removing them from their packaging and cleaning them by massaging them under warm water. Then, place them in the slow cooker with water and a tablespoon of salt. You can also add other ingredients such as onions, garlic, peppers, and apple cider vinegar for extra flavour.
If you are making a soup, you can add split peas, lentils, or beans to the broth. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. If you are making a stew, you can add vegetables and beans, and let it cook until the meat falls off the bone.
For a crock-pot meal, place the ham hocks, vegetables, and other ingredients in the crock-pot with chicken stock and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you are using dry beans, soak them for a few hours before cooking and add an extra can of water.
You can also braise the ham hocks in the oven, or slow cook them in an instant pot.
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What to cook ham hocks with
Ham hocks are a versatile ingredient that can be used to add flavour to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to cook ham hocks with:
Beans
White beans, such as Great Northern beans, are a classic pairing with ham hocks. The beans are cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker with the ham hocks, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and chicken stock. This dish is simple to prepare and can be left to cook throughout the day, making it a convenient option for a hearty, comforting meal. It is best served with cornbread.
Alternatively, you can cook ham hocks with a variety of beans, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, and soup beans. The beans are added to the crock pot with the ham hocks and cooked until tender. This creates a flavourful dish with a variety of textures.
Vegetables
Ham hocks can be cooked with a range of vegetables, including collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, and carrots. For a Southern-style dish, cook the ham hocks with collard greens, onions, garlic, peppers, and apple cider vinegar. The smokiness of the ham hocks infuses the greens, creating a tender and flavourful dish.
Soup
Ham hocks can be used to make a hearty soup, especially when paired with split peas or lentils. The hocks are slow-cooked in a crock pot with the peas or lentils, creating a thick and hearty soup. Other vegetables such as carrots, stewed tomatoes, and potatoes can also be added to the soup, but some prefer to keep it simple with just the peas and meat.
Meat
While ham hocks are a meat product, they can be cooked with other meats to enhance the flavour of a dish. Smoked turkey wings, for example, can be used in place of ham hocks in recipes such as the collard greens dish mentioned above. Leftover ham can also be used in place of ham hocks in recipes, adding a similar smoky flavour to the dish.
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How long to cook ham hocks for
Ham hocks can be cooked in a crock pot for as little as 4 hours, but cooking them for up to 10 hours will make the meat fall off the bone. The longer cooking time will also make the ham hocks more tender.
One recipe recommends cooking the ham hocks on high for 6 hours, then adding in collard greens, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar, and letting the dish cook for another 2 hours. The recipe creator notes that after 4 hours, the ham hocks should be tender and falling off the bone.
Another recipe recommends cooking the ham hocks on high for 8 hours, then straining the meat, bones, and skin from the broth. The recipe creator notes that the ham hocks will be very tender after this amount of time.
If you are adding beans to your crock pot, you may want to cook the ham hocks for a shorter amount of time, as they will continue to cook with the beans. One recipe recommends cooking the ham hocks on low for 3-4 hours, then adding canned beans and cooking for another 1-2 hours. Another recipe recommends cooking the ham hocks on low for 6 hours, checking the beans, then continuing to cook until the beans are completely tender.
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How to store cooked ham hocks
Ham hocks are a versatile and flavourful ingredient, but they must be stored correctly to avoid foodborne illnesses. Here is a detailed guide on how to store cooked ham hocks to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your ham hocks:
Refrigeration
Firstly, always store your cooked ham hocks in the refrigerator. Aim to place them in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally below 40°F (4°C). Cooked ham hocks can be safely refrigerated for about 1-2 weeks. Be sure to check the expiry date on the package, as this will provide the most accurate guideline for safe consumption.
Wrapping and Packaging
To prevent your cooked ham hocks from drying out in the fridge, wrap them securely in foil or plastic wrap. Then, seal the wrapped ham hocks in a plastic bag. This double layer of protection helps maintain moisture and keeps the ham hocks fresh for longer.
Freezing
If you wish to extend the shelf life of your cooked ham hocks, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the ham hocks tightly in plastic wrap and foil, ensuring they are securely sealed. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Don't forget to label the bag with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of how long they have been frozen.
Defrosting
When you are ready to use your frozen ham hocks, it's important to defrost them safely. The recommended method is to transfer the frozen ham hocks from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly. This process should take 24 to 48 hours. Avoid defrosting ham hocks on the countertop, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and compromise food safety.
Food Safety
It's important to be mindful of food safety guidelines, especially when dealing with meat products like ham hocks. While smoking and curing are preservation methods that extend the shelf life of ham hocks, always be vigilant for any signs of spoilage. Check for mould, off-smells, or any other indications that the meat may be past its prime. If in doubt, discard the ham hocks and prioritise your health and well-being.
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What to serve ham hocks with
Ham hocks are a versatile dish with various serving options. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:
Beans
A classic combination is ham hocks with beans. This can be a simple dish of ham hocks and beans simmered together or a more complex dish with additional ingredients. For example, you can use canned or dry beans, and if using dry beans, remember to soak them for a few hours before cooking. You can also add spices, onions, garlic, and various types of beans like pinto, kidney, or cannellini beans to enhance the flavour.
Bread
Ham hocks and beans are often served with bread, specifically crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh baguette. The bread helps to soak up the flavours of the dish and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Vegetables
When serving ham hocks, consider including some vegetables as a side dish or incorporated into the main dish. Carrots, potatoes, and stewed tomatoes are all great options to add some colour, texture, and nutritional value to your meal.
Rice
Red beans and rice is a highly recommended dish to make with leftover ham hocks. While it takes a while to cook, it's worth the wait. This dish provides a hearty and comforting option that can be a great way to use up leftover ham.
Soup
Ham hocks can be used to make a delicious and flavourful soup. You can follow a simple recipe by boiling the ham hock with water and adding pre-cooked beans, or you can create a more complex soup with additional ingredients like onions, chicken bouillon, and Cajun seasoning.
Salads
For a lighter option, you can serve ham hocks as part of a salad. Consider using leftover ham hock meat and pairing it with fresh greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Remember, ham hocks are a versatile dish, and you can get creative with your servings. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and side dishes to find your favourite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to cook smoked ham hocks in a crock pot is to slow cook them. Place the ham hocks in the crock pot, add water, and cook on a low temperature for 6-8 hours.
Many recipes suggest adding vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to smoked ham hocks in a crock pot. You can also add chicken stock, beans, and spices such as salt and pepper.
Before cooking, remove the ham hocks from their package and clean them by massaging them under warm water. You can also skim the fat off the ham hocks before cooking.
Smoked ham hocks are done in a crock pot when the meat is tender and falls off the bone. This usually takes around 6-8 hours on a low temperature setting.
