Smoked ham hocks are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. One of the easiest ways to cook smoked ham hocks is in a crock pot, which allows for slow and tender cooking that brings out the rich flavors of the ham. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot and provide a simple recipe to get you started.
The Benefits of Cooking Smoked Ham Hocks in a Crock Pot
Cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: Crock pots are designed for slow cooking, which means you can simply add your ingredients and let the pot do the work while you’re busy with other tasks.
- Tender meat: The low heat and moisture of the crock pot help to break down the connective tissues in the ham, resulting in tender and fall-apart meat.
- Rich flavors: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the ham to meld together with any additional ingredients you add, resulting in a rich and savory broth.
- Easy to serve: Once the ham is cooked, you can simply shred or chop it and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread.
Choosing the Right Smoked Ham Hocks
When selecting smoked ham hocks, look for the following characteristics:
- Smoked flavor: Smoked ham hocks should have a rich, smoky flavor that is evident from the moment you open the package.
- Meaty texture: A good smoked ham hock should have a meaty texture that is firm to the touch, but not too hard.
- Bone-in: Bone-in smoked ham hocks are generally more flavorful than boneless hocks, as the bone adds depth and richness to the meat.
Types of Smoked Ham Hocks
There are several types of smoked ham hocks available, including:
- Country-style: These hocks are typically smoked over wood and have a more rustic, country flavor.
- City-style: These hocks are often smoked over gas or electric heat and have a milder flavor.
- Black Forest: These hocks are smoked over cherry wood and have a distinctive, fruity flavor.
Basic Crock Pot Smoked Ham Hock Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot:
Ingredients:
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add the sliced onion to the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
- Place the smoked ham hocks on top of the onion.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, chicken broth, water, brown sugar, and thyme.
- Pour the mixture over the ham hocks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool.
- Shred or chop the meat and serve with your favorite sides.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
Here are a few variations on the basic recipe:
- Spicy: Add 1-2 diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot for an extra kick of heat.
- Sweet: Add 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup to the pot for a sweeter, more glazed flavor.
- Herby: Add 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or parsley to the pot for a fresh, herby flavor.
Tips for Cooking Smoked Ham Hocks in a Crock Pot
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot:
- Use a large enough pot: Make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold the ham hocks and any additional ingredients you add.
- Don’t overcook: Smoked ham hocks can become dry and tough if overcooked, so make sure to check the meat regularly and remove it from the pot when it’s tender.
- Let it rest: Let the ham hocks rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or chopping, as this will help the meat to retain its juices.
Cooking Smoked Ham Hocks on High vs. Low
When cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot, you have the option to cook on high or low. Here are some pros and cons of each method:
- High: Cooking on high will result in a faster cooking time, but may also result in a less tender final product.
- Low: Cooking on low will result in a slower cooking time, but will also result in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for cooked smoked ham hocks:
- Mashed potatoes: Serve the shredded ham over mashed potatoes, topped with a drizzle of gravy.
- Collard greens: Serve the shredded ham alongside a pot of braised collard greens.
- Cornbread: Serve the shredded ham alongside a slice of warm cornbread.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Here are some tips for reheating leftovers:
- Reheat in the crock pot: Simply add the leftovers to the crock pot and reheat on low for 1-2 hours.
- Reheat in the oven: Wrap the leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot is a delicious and easy way to prepare this versatile ingredient. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, smoked ham hocks are a great addition to any meal. By following the basic recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What are the benefits of cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot?
Cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot is a convenient and hands-off way to prepare this delicious dish. One of the main benefits is that it allows for tender and fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort. The low heat and moisture of the crock pot break down the connective tissues in the ham hocks, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
Additionally, cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot is a great way to infuse the meat with rich and deep flavors. The slow cooking process allows the ham hocks to absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and spices, resulting in a dish that is full of flavor and aroma.
How long does it take to cook smoked ham hocks in a crock pot?
The cooking time for smoked ham hocks in a crock pot can vary depending on the size and type of ham hocks, as well as the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat to cook smoked ham hocks in a crock pot. It’s essential to check the ham hocks periodically to ensure they are tender and falling off the bone.
It’s also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific crock pot model and its temperature settings. Some crock pots may cook faster or slower than others, so it’s crucial to monitor the ham hocks and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What are some popular seasonings and spices to use when cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot?
When cooking smoked ham hocks in a crock pot, there are many popular seasonings and spices that can be used to add flavor. Some common options include brown sugar, mustard, garlic, onion powder, and paprika. These seasonings can be mixed together to create a dry rub that is applied to the ham hocks before cooking.
Other options include using a pre-mixed seasoning blend, such as a BBQ or Cajun seasoning, or adding some liquid smoke to give the ham hocks a smoky flavor. The key is to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find the combination that works best for your taste preferences.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot when cooking smoked ham hocks?
Yes, it’s a great idea to add vegetables to the crock pot when cooking smoked ham hocks. Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions can be added to the crock pot along with the ham hocks and seasonings. The slow cooking process will tenderize the vegetables and infuse them with the rich flavors of the ham hocks.
Some other options for vegetables that can be added to the crock pot include bell peppers, celery, and mushrooms. It’s essential to choose vegetables that hold up well to slow cooking and can withstand the long cooking time.
How do I store leftover smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot?
Leftover smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. It’s essential to cool the ham hocks to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them to prevent bacterial growth.
When storing leftover smoked ham hocks, it’s a good idea to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a covered container. This will help to keep the ham hocks fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Can I use smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot in other recipes?
Yes, smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot can be used in a variety of other recipes. Some popular options include using the ham hocks in soups, stews, and casseroles. The tender and flavorful meat can be shredded or diced and added to these dishes for extra flavor and texture.
Other options for using smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot include making ham and bean soup, ham salad, or using the ham hocks as a topping for baked potatoes or salads. The possibilities are endless, and the smoked ham hocks can be used in many creative ways.
Are smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot a healthy option?
Smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot can be a relatively healthy option, depending on the ingredients and seasonings used. Ham hocks are a good source of protein and can be a leaner option than other cuts of meat. However, they can also be high in sodium and fat, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used.
To make smoked ham hocks cooked in a crock pot a healthier option, it’s essential to choose low-sodium seasonings and spices and to use leaner ingredients. Additionally, serving the ham hocks with plenty of vegetables and whole grains can help to balance out the meal and make it a healthier option.