Homemade Pork Knuckle Ham Recipe

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

  1. Rinse the Pork Knuckles: Clean the pork knuckles under cold water to remove any impurities.
  2. Place in a Large Pot: Add the pork knuckles to a large pot. Pour enough water to fully submerge them, ensuring they are covered.
  3. 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.
  4. Salt the Water: Stir in 2 tablespoons of salt to season the meat.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Separate the Bones: Gently pull apart the pork and remove the bones, leaving the tender meat intact.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Sprinkle Paprika and Pepper: Sprinkle paprika and more pepper over the pork to give it a smoky and spicy touch.
  2. Add Pork Skins: If you have the pork skin, add it back to the meat to soak up the spices and enhance the flavor.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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!