Monday, 27 January 2025

Slow Cooker Ham Hock Recipes

Slow Cooker Ham Hock Recipes 

Ham hocks, often overlooked, are a fantastic ingredient for creating flavorful, hearty meals. Whether you're looking to infuse richness into soups or create succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat dishes, the slow cooker is your best friend. Here are three delectable slow cooker ham hock recipes that will keep you coming back for more.


1. Slow Cooker Ham Hock and Bean Soup

Overview

This classic recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender ham hock, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs, it’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings.


Ingredients

2 smoked ham hocks

1 pound dried navy or cannellini beans (soaked overnight)

1 large onion, diced

3 carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the soaked beans and set them aside.

Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, place the ham hocks at the bottom, followed by the beans, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Add the Stock and Seasoning: Pour in the stock, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Add bay leaves and thyme.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Finish Up: Once the ham hocks are tender, remove them from the slow cooker, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Return the meat to the pot.

Season and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve with crusty bread.

Tips

For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream before serving.

Add a handful of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes for a pop of color and nutrition.

2. Slow Cooker Ham Hock and Lentil Stew

Overview

This hearty stew combines earthy lentils and savory ham hock for a filling and flavorful meal. The combination of spices elevates the dish to a whole new level.


Ingredients

2 ham hocks (smoked or unsmoked)

1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)

1 large onion, diced

3 carrots, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.

Assemble the Slow Cooker: Add the ham hocks, lentils, onion, carrots, bell pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano to the slow cooker.

Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes, broth, and water, ensuring everything is submerged.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.

Shred the Ham: Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones.

Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stew over steamed rice or quinoa.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor.

3. Slow Cooker Ham Hock and Potato Chowder

Overview

This creamy chowder combines the smoky flavors of ham hock with tender potatoes and sweet corn. It's a cozy dish perfect for family meals.


Ingredients

2 smoked ham hocks

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup frozen or canned corn

1 large onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Layer the Ingredients: Place the ham hocks, potatoes, corn, onion, celery, garlic, and parsley into the slow cooker.

Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are fully covered.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Prepare the Cream Base: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Shred the Ham: Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the chowder. Discard the bones.

Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm biscuits or cornbread.

Top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions for extra indulgence.

Why Ham Hocks Shine in Slow Cookers

Ham hocks are rich in connective tissue and fat, which break down during the slow cooking process to create tender, flavorful dishes. They also impart a deep, smoky flavor that enhances soups, stews, and chowders.


Cooking Tips

Pre-soaking: Soak dried beans or lentils overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.

Low and Slow: While ham hocks can be cooked on high, slow cooking on low yields the best results.

Bone-In Benefits: The bone in ham hocks adds extra flavor, so avoid removing it before cooking.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover dishes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.


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