Soup is often the perfect comfort food, filling your home with warmth and offering hearty sustenance. One of the most classic and deeply satisfying soups you can make is a slow-cooked, richly flavored Pork Ham Hock Soup. This recipe features tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork ham hocks paired with an aromatic combination of vegetables, herbs, and dried tomatoes, creating a flavorful broth that will leave your taste buds craving more. This soup has an unmistakable depth of flavor thanks to the slow cooking process, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop a rich, savory taste.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Few ingredients are required to create a nourishing and hearty soup, yet the result is something that tastes far more complex than its individual components. The ham hocks provide a lovely, meaty richness to the broth, while the vegetables—onions, carrots, and garlic—add layers of sweetness and depth. The dried tomatoes contribute a unique tangy flavor that elevates the soup even further, giving it a rustic, satisfying profile. The broth is then enriched with chicken stock, herbs, and black pepper to create a perfect balance of flavors.
This timeless recipe has been passed down for generations, making it a staple in many homes due to its ability to feed a crowd and its deep, comforting taste. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, it is sure to please the whole family, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Pork Ham Hocks: 2 pcs
- Water: 3 l (101 pt)
- Salt: 5 g (0.2 oz) + 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Onion: 2 pcs, quartered
- Carrot: 1 pc, peeled and cut into chunks
- Bay Leaves: 2 pcs
- Black Peppercorns: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Fresh Parsley: 15 g (0.5 oz), chopped
- Garlic: 10 g (0.4 oz), minced
- Dried Tomatoes: 30 g (1.1 oz)
- Black Pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Chicken Broth: 150 ml (5.1 fl oz)
Steps to Make Pork Ham Hock Soup
Step 1: Preparing the Ham Hocks
- Begin by rinsing the pork ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess blood or impurities.
- In a large stockpot, place the ham hocks and cover them with 3 liters of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Skim off any impurities or foam that rises to the surface with a spoon.
- Once the broth is clear, remove the hocks and set them aside briefly. Discard the water and impurities.
Step 2: Building the Soup Base
- Refill the pot with fresh water (3 liters), then return the pork ham hocks to the pot.
- Add the quartered onions, carrot chunks, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Stir to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed in the pot.
- Let the soup simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the ham hocks are fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors will become. Be sure to occasionally check the soup and skim off any foam that appears on the surface.
- After the cooking time, remove the ham hocks from the pot. Set them aside to cool slightly before removing the meat from the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and any fatty portions you don’t wish to include in the soup.
Step 3: Adding the Final Touches
- Once the pork is shredded and the bones have been discarded, return the shredded pork to the pot.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried tomatoes, black pepper, and additional salt (5 g). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. For a more intense flavor, let the soup simmer for a bit longer.
- Once everything is well combined and the soup has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping, and enjoy the hearty, flavorful broth.
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 2 to 3 hours (including simmering time)
Total Time
- 3 hours and 20 minutes
Calories
- Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Servings
- Serves 6-8 people
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Pork Ham Hock Soup is a beloved dish that stands the test of time due to its simplicity and versatility. The key to its flavor lies in the slow cooking process, which draws out all of the rich, savory goodness from the pork, creating a deeply flavorful broth that’s simply irresistible.
The use of humble ingredients—pork, carrots, onions, garlic, and dried tomatoes—makes this soup not only affordable but also extremely satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel connected to generations of home cooks who have made this dish for their families over the years.
Slow-cooked soups like this one have a special ability to bring people together. There’s something comforting about sharing a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with care and packed with flavor. This recipe also has the benefit of being highly adaptable. You can experiment with different herbs and vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of pork?
- Yes! While pork ham hocks provide a great amount of flavor and richness, you can substitute them with other cuts like pork shoulder or pork ribs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
- What if I don’t have dried tomatoes?
- If you don’t have dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or even a can of diced tomatoes as a substitute. Dried tomatoes offer a unique concentrated flavor, but fresh ones will work just fine in this recipe.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes! This soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pork Ham Hock Soup
- Don’t rush the cooking process: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavor it develops. Aim to let it cook for at least 2 hours for the richest taste.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like celery, parsnips, or leeks for additional flavor.
- For a clearer broth: After the initial boiling step, ensure to skim off the impurities that rise to the surface for a cleaner broth.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Conclusion
Pork Ham Hock Soup with Aromatic Herbs and Dried Tomatoes is a timeless recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and comforting dish. The slow cooking process results in a rich, savory broth that envelops tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting friends, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Its ability to warm both the body and soul, combined with its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd, makes it the perfect recipe for any occasion. So, take your time to slow-cook this dish, and enjoy the incredible depth of flavors that only time and care can create. This Pork Ham Hock Soup is more than just food—it’s a comforting tradition that’s here to stay.