Braised Ham Hocks

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Beale Street Historic District

📍 Where this dish comes from: Memphis, Tennessee · Beale Street Historic District
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Braised Ham Hocks, plated and ready to serve

Ham hocks are the backbone flavor of countless soul food pots, usually simmered alongside greens or beans. Served here on their own, braised until the meat falls from the bone, they make a simple, deeply savory main course in their own right.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Braised Ham Hocks

Braised Ham Hocks

Smoked ham hocks braised low and slow until the meat is meltingly tender and the broth turns rich.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 smoked ham hocks
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Combine ham hocks, onion, garlic, broth, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes in a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 to 2 1/4 hours, until meat is very tender.
  • Remove bay leaf, season with black pepper, and serve hocks with the broth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 410kcal | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g
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Cooking Braised Ham Hocks in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Ham hocks provide protein along with collagen that breaks down during the long simmer.
  • A naturally low-carb dish with no added fillers or thickeners.
  • The rich broth produced can be repurposed for cooking greens or beans.

Pairs Well With

  • Smoked Turkey Collard Greens
  • Cauliflower "Potato" Salad, Mustard Style
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