35 ham hock recipes

Southern mustard greens slow-simmered with smoked ham hocks, cabbage, and potatoes in a peppery pot likker. A one-pot soul food classic cooked low and slow.

Slow cooker ham hocks and lima beans simmered with red bell pepper, tomatoes, bay, and clove. A smoky, soul-food classic that cooks itself while you're at work.

Slow-simmered pinto beans with smoky ham hocks, onion, and garlic. Soaked overnight and cooked low until creamy and tender, this Southern classic is comfort food at its most honest and satisfying.

Spicy red bean soup with a smoky ham hock, cheesecloth-bundled cumin and cayenne, and a finish of Tabasco and parsley. A slow-simmered pot of Southern comfort food.

White Michigan bean soup is a three-ingredient classic: white navy-style beans simmered slowly with a smoked ham hock, then partly mashed to thicken. Old-school, no-fuss comfort.

Split pea soup simmers dried split peas with a smoky ham hock, onion, salt, and pepper for 90 minutes until the peas collapse into a thick green broth and the meat falls off the bone.

French market soup simmers a medley of dried beans with a smoky ham hock until tender, then brightens the pot with tomatoes and a finishing splash of lemon. A hearty, economical bean soup made from a colorful bean mix.

Hearty smoked pork and bean soup built from ham hocks, dried pink beans, and beef stock with paprika and sauteed garlic. Partially pureed for a thick, velvety body. Serves 6.

Texas caviar made from dried black beans slow-simmered with a smoky ham hock, then tossed with sauteed peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes. A Lone Star classic side dish.

Lima bean soup simmered low and slow with smoky ham hocks, ham bone, celery, and green onions. Classic Southern bean soup served with Mexican cornbread.

Lima bean and ham stew, smoky ham hocks simmered with tender dried lima beans, onion, carrot and celery. A hearty, soul-warming pot of Southern comfort, with the ham shredded right back in.

Hearty pinto bean soup simmered with smoky ham hocks, diced onions, celery, and tomato. Thick, warming, and ready in about 40 minutes for a budget-friendly weeknight supper.

Old-school navy bean soup simmered with smoky ham hock, celery, golden onion, and a dash of cayenne. Naturally gluten-free, high-fiber, low-fat, and built for a long, lazy stovetop afternoon.

Southern-style dried lima beans slow-simmered with smoked ham hock skin, bacon drippings, and a pinch of sugar until creamy and tender. Simple, smoky, old-fashioned comfort food.

Old-fashioned white bean soup with navy beans and ham hock simmered low and slow with celery, onion, garlic, and parsley. Thick, hearty, and filling.

Smoky, spicy black bean pesto made with ham hock, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro stems. A thick, spreadable paste for tacos, chips, or as a bold side dish. Makes 3 cups.