I know, that name probably doesn’t sound very cool. I thought about calling it Easter Soup since it’s such a convenient meal to make with your leftover Easter ham . And who doesn’t need a leftover easter ham recipe?! It’s actually really delicious. I have no clue why simple can be so amazing, but it is. Plus, you really don’t do anything all day. I don’t even peel the potatoes, but you totally can if you want. Actually, I’m getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s take a step back. A quick note first, we actually bought a ham hock from our favorite pork farm, Christiansen. You can order online. Seriously the best pork ever.
Ok, so Easter is awesome. I love the colors. I love what it reminds us of. I love the food. I love the food. Oh, huh, guess I already said that… Seriously though, I love Easter. It’s kinda funny but for as much as I love a juicy spiral baked ham, we really only eat it at Christmas and Easter. I have no clue why. We ate it occasionally for Sunday dinner growing up, but for some reason I don’t take the time to make it. After we had a ham dinner growing up, my mom always made ham hock soup with the leftovers. It’s simple, filling, and yummy.
I know that 90% of you are probably like me, you have a hunk of ham leftover after dinner. The ham itself can easily be used for killer ham and cheese sandwiches on these killer potato rolls, but what about the bone with all of that yummy meat hanging off? Here’s your solution. Take the ham hock (that middle bone) and place it in a large stock pot. Fill it with water until it just covers it. Let it come to a soft boil (like medium, or medium low heat) and let it cook all day long or at least 3-4 hours. The meat will be falling off the bone and you’ll have a yummy broth for soup.
Now, if your water is cooking off you may need to occasionally refill the pot to keep the bone covered. If you want it less soupy and more like a little broth with your meat, beans, and potatoes don’t fill as much water back up throughout the day. Anyway, about an hour before dinner, pull out the bone, shred the meat, add the meat in, toss in your green beans, and 30 minutes later add chunks of potato and a little pepper. And you’re done! I know, it’s simple, but trust me, it’s comfort food and delicious. Plus, you aren’t wasting all of that meat and bone anymore! oh!
Is Ham Hock Pre-Cooked?
Ham Hock are usually fully cooked.
They are somewhat tough, and that is why you cook them down until they fall off the bones.
Are Green Beans Good For You?
Green beans provide many health benefits.
Young, tender green beans are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin K and silicon, which promotes healthy bones, skin, and hair.
Are Red Potatoes Lower in Calories Than Russet?
Red potatoes are a little lower in calories than russet potatoes.
A 6 oz. russet has about 170 calories.
A red potato of the same size contains about 155 calories.
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- Secret to the Best Ham Fried Rice
- Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Sauce
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
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- Ham and Cheese Sliders
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- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Stromboli
- Hash Browns Ham Frittata
- Easy Ham and Cheese Scones
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- How to Make Ham in a Slow Cooker
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- All our BEST PORK RECIPES here!
Ham Hock Soup
Ham Hock Soup
Description
Ingredients
- 1 Ham Bone , with some meat still attached
- 4 Medium Potatoes, chopped (peeled or not, it doesn't matter)
- 2 Cups Fresh Green Beans, snapped and chopped in 1-2" pieces
- Water
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut around the center bone in the ham, leaving a good inch or more of meat attached.
- Place the bone in a large stock pot and fill with water just until it covers the bone.
- Turn the heat to a 4-5 or medium low to medium heat. The water will come to a soft boil. Allow the meat/bone to cook all day or at least 3-4 hours.
- Add more water as needed to keep the bone covered.
- One hour before dinner,remove the bone and meat to a cutting board, the meat should just fall off. Shred the meat and place it back in the pot, discarding the bone.
- Add the green beans and place back on the heat.
- Allow to cook for 30 more minutes and then add the chopped potatoes and pepper.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
More Ways to Use Your Leftover Ham
Ham and cheddar stuffed pretzels-Foodie with Family
Ranch Ham and Cheese Pasta-Taste and Tell
hobo
This web site certainly has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
I love ham hocks! They add such richness to soups and beans. Thanks for the link love!
Sweet Basil
Exactly! One little bone makes everything so delicious, and you’re welcome.
Rachael H
My Grandmother makes this. We call it (sounds like) Bone-a-gah-meece. German bean/ham soup. LOVE it! We add a little vinegar to our bowls and it’s so great. I’m making it this weekend with our left over ham.
Sweet Basil
Oh my goodness! I have to remember this. Do not let me forget!! My German roots will thank you.
Peggy
My dad used to do a similar soup like this growing up! He used to call it “Hobo Stew” because it was so simple and inexpensive!
Deborah
Ok, this sounds so good right now, especially with this rainy weather!
Sweet Basil
I’m in Idaho and there’s no rain, and I happen to love it. bah humbug
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh my, this soup looks amazing! Ham is one of my favorite parts of Easter 🙂
Sweet Basil
Mine too. I’m a spiral girl, but did you see that recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe? I have to try it!!
Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More
Girl, we’ll be over for Easter leftovers (this soup) on Monday!
Sweet Basil
haha, thanks friend!
Tieghan
Oh, i can not wait to make this! We actually do not normally do ham for Easter, but I think we will this year just so I can make this soup on Monday! Love this recipe!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Carrian, this soup looks so scrumptious! I love that you used so few ingredients for what I’m sure is a mega flavorful soup! Great recipe, thanks for sharing. Happy Easter!
Sweet Basil
Thank you!!! You’re so sweet and you’re right, few ingredients yet way flavorful.
Jen
Yum! I may try this next week. Have you added asparagus? We always made bean soup with our ham hocks when I was growing up, so comforting and yummy!
Sweet Basil
That’s a great idea. I’ve never tried it with asparagus, but I’d love to hear if you do!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
We don’t celebrate Easter but I’m honestly ready to buy a ham to eat and make soups with!! Sounds so good!
Sweet Basil
totally do! You don’t have to celebrate easter to enjoy this soup, but you do have to be willing to sit back and relax while the pot does all the work. 😉
Maria Tadic
My mom used to make this soup (as did I before I ditched the whole meat thing). It was sooo good and comforting. That bone and extra meat really give soups a huge flavor hit!
Sweet Basil
that’s awesome! I love to think we all were growing up on similar meals. Brings us closer together yeah?
Kathy @ FoodWineThyme
Great idea. 🙂 I bet its really yummy
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Kathy!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
Girl… this is brilliant!
Sweet Basil
thank you! You’re brilliant so I’m thrilled you like it!