Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
Intensity: EasyIngredients:
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
Intensity: EasyIngredients:
- 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup dried split peas or lentils (optional)
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large pot, place the smoked ham hocks, chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano.
- Pour in the water or chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. This will allow the ham hocks to cook down and infuse the soup with rich flavor.
- Stir occasionally, checking to see if more water or broth is needed.
- Add Split Peas or Lentils (Optional):
- If you’re using dried split peas or lentils, add them to the pot during the last hour of cooking. This will give them enough time to cook through and thicken the soup.
- Remove Ham Hocks:
- After the soup has simmered and the ham hocks are tender, remove the ham hocks from the pot.
- Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bones and return the shredded ham to the soup. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Add Greens (Optional):
- If using kale or spinach, stir them into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking until they wilt and are tender.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
Note: This ham hock soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a chilly day. The smoked ham hocks impart a deep, rich flavor to the broth, while the vegetables and optional legumes add texture and nutrition. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with your favorite vegetables and greens.