Making Homemade Ham from pork knuckles is an excellent way to create a flavorful, tender, and savory dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this traditional ham with its rich taste and satisfying texture. This recipe is fast, easy, and results in a delicious homemade ham that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this comforting and hearty dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pork knuckles (about 1,000 g each): These cuts are full of flavor and become tender after slow cooking.
- Bay leaf: For added depth and aroma.
- Pepper: A pinch of black pepper for seasoning.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Adds a wonderful aromatic note to the meat.
- Water: Enough to submerge the pork knuckles during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons of salt: Helps season the pork and enhance the flavors.
- 2 pickled cucumbers: These provide a tangy contrast to the rich pork.
- 100 ml of broth: The cooking liquid will be used to add moisture and enhance flavor.
- Paprika: A sprinkle for a smoky, sweet touch.
- Additional pepper: For seasoning the ham to your taste.
- Foil: To wrap the ham and allow it to marinate overnight in the fridge.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pork Knuckles
- Rinse the Pork Knuckles: Clean the pork knuckles under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Place in a Large Pot: Add the pork knuckles to a large pot. Pour enough water to fully submerge them, ensuring they are covered.
- Add Seasonings: Add bay leaves, a pinch of pepper, and the garlic cloves. These will infuse the broth with aromatic flavors as the pork cooks.
- Salt the Water: Stir in 2 tablespoons of salt to season the meat.
- Cook Low and Slow: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 hours. This long, slow cooking process will break down the tough connective tissue, leaving the meat tender and flavorful.
- Check for Doneness: After 3 hours, the pork knuckles should be tender and falling off the bone.
Step 2: Separate the Bones and Trim the Fat
- Remove the Pork Knuckles: Carefully take the pork knuckles out of the pot using tongs. Let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
- Separate the Bones: Gently pull apart the pork and remove the bones, leaving the tender meat intact.
- Lose Excess Fat (Optional): If you prefer a leaner ham, trim away any excess fat from the pork. However, some fat is good for flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
- Chop Pickled Cucumbers and Garlic: Finely chop 2 pickled cucumbers and 2 cloves of garlic. These will add a nice tangy flavor to the meat.
- Combine with Broth: In a small bowl, mix the chopped cucumbers and garlic with 100 ml of the broth you used to cook the pork. This broth will keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Spices and Wrap the Ham
- Sprinkle Paprika and Pepper: Sprinkle paprika and more pepper over the pork to give it a smoky and spicy touch.
- Add Pork Skins: If you have the pork skin, add it back to the meat to soak up the spices and enhance the flavor.
- Wrap in Foil: Place the seasoned pork onto a large sheet of foil and wrap it tightly, ensuring all the flavors stay locked in.
Step 5: Let It Rest
- Chill Overnight: Place the wrapped ham in the fridge and allow it to chill overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld together, making the ham even tastier.
- Serve Cold or Warm: The ham can be served cold, sliced thin for sandwiches, or warmed up for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
This homemade ham is rich in protein and healthy fats. It’s perfect for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet, with a balance of spices and flavors to make it incredibly satisfying.
Cooking Tips:
- Add Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even mustard seeds for an additional layer of flavor.
- Crisp the Ham: After chilling, you can give the ham a quick sear in a hot pan to create a crispy, golden exterior before serving.
- Use Leftover Broth: The leftover broth can be saved and used as a flavorful base for soups or stews.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store the ham wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Freeze: You can freeze the ham for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Q: Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe? A: Yes! While pork knuckles provide a rich and tender meat, you can also use pork shoulder or even pork belly for this recipe.
- Q: How do I serve this ham? A: This ham can be served cold, sliced for sandwiches, or warmed up with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Q: Can I make this ham spicy? A: Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Pork Knuckle Ham recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, seasoned pork at home. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a delicious ham that’s perfect for serving at any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as part of a hearty meal or slice it up for sandwiches, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try and discover just how tasty homemade ham can be!