Ham hock soup, it's simple, but trust me, it's comfort food and delicious.
Ingredients
1Ham Bone , with some meat still attached
4Medium Potatoes, chopped (peeled or not, it doesn't matter)
2CupsFresh 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
You can buy the ham hock from your local butcher if you're ever craving the meal and you don't want to buy a ham.This soup freezes really well. Allow it to cool completely, place in a ziploc bag, forcing out all the air, then place in the freezer.