How to Buy and Cook Ham Hock


    How to Buy and Cook Ham Hock

    Ham hock, also known as pork knuckle, is a cut of meat from the ankle and calf region of the pig. It is a relatively cheap cut, but it has a lot of flavour and can be used to make delicious dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles and roasts. Here are some tips on how to buy and cook ham hock.

    How to Buy Ham Hock

    Ham hock can be either smoked or unsmoked, depending on your preference and the recipe you are following. Smoked ham hock has a more intense and salty flavour, while unsmoked ham hock has a milder and sweeter taste. You can buy ham hock online from reputable meat suppliers such as Campbells Meat or Wild Fork Foods, or from your local butcher or supermarket. Look for ham hocks that are firm, plump and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid ham hocks that are dry, shrivelled or have an unpleasant odour.

    How to Cook Ham Hock


    How to Buy Ham Hock

    Ham hock is best cooked slowly over low heat, as this helps to tenderize the meat and release its flavour. You can cook ham hock in various ways, such as boiling, braising, roasting or baking. Here are some basic steps for cooking ham hock:

    • Rinse the ham hock under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
    • If the ham hock is smoked, you may want to soak it in water for a few hours or overnight to reduce the saltiness.
    • Place the ham hock in a large pot and cover it with water or stock. You can also add some aromatics such as onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme or parsley.
    • Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the ham hock for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
    • Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving or shredding the meat.
    • You can use the cooking liquid to make a sauce or a soup, or discard it if you prefer.
    • You can also roast or bake the ham hock in the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes to crisp up the skin and add more flavour.

    Some popular dishes that use ham hock are:

    • Ham and pea soup: A classic comfort food that is easy to make with leftover ham hock, split peas, onion, carrot, celery and herbs.
    • Braised red cabbage with ham hock: A hearty and colourful side dish that combines shredded red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cloves and cooked ham hock.
    • Roasted ham hock with sauerkraut: A traditional Bavarian dish that is popular during Oktoberfest. It consists of roasted ham hock served with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and mustard.
    • Ham hock terrine: A cold appetizer that is made by layering cooked ham hock meat with herbs and spices in a loaf pan, then pouring gelatin over it and refrigerating until set. It can be sliced and served with bread, pickles and chutney.

    Ham hock is a versatile and economical cut of meat that can add flavour and texture to many dishes. Try buying and cooking ham hock today and enjoy its delicious taste!

    Hi, I’m Adam Smith

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