Smoked ham hock jelly

Smoked Ham Hock Aspic – A Traditional Recipe with a Festive Flavor

Who doesn't nostalgically remember the lavish meals, filled with delicious dishes, alongside family and friends? Smoked ham hock aspic is a dish that evokes beautiful memories, often served during holidays or special occasions. This recipe not only delights the taste buds but is also an explosion of flavors, combining the succulent meat of the smoked hock with fresh vegetables and aromatic garlic. Get ready to discover the secret of a perfect aspic, with a gelatinous texture and an unmistakable taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 smoked ham hock (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 head of garlic
- ½ teaspoon of peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Cleaning the hock: Start by thoroughly cleaning the smoked ham hock. If necessary, you can singe it slightly over the stove to remove any hairs. Use a sharp knife to scrape the hock, removing impurities. After that, wash it in hot water to clean it completely.

2. Boiling the hock: Place the hock in a large pot, adding enough cold water to cover it well, about 3 liters. Put the pot on the heat and let it boil for 90 minutes. At this stage, it is essential to skim off the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear aspic.

3. Adding vegetables and spices: After the hock has boiled for 90 minutes, add the cleaned and coarsely chopped vegetables: onion, carrot, parsley root, and parsnip. Also, add the bay leaf and peppercorns. Continue boiling for another 30-40 minutes, until the meat easily separates from the bones.

4. Cooling and preparing the broth: Once the hock is cooked, let it cool slightly in the pot. Then, skim off as much of the fat from the surface as possible with a spoon. Add the crushed or finely chopped garlic to the meat broth, to taste. Let the flavors infuse for 10-20 minutes.

5. Straining and portioning: Using a fine sieve, strain the broth to remove the vegetables and impurities. The meat from the hock comes off the bone easily; cut it into suitable pieces, leaving a few pieces for decoration.

6. Preparing the bowls: Prepare several small bowls for portioning. At the bottom of each bowl, arrange slices of carrot, parsley, diced bell pepper, or thin slices of pickled cucumber. Place the pieces of meat and carefully pour the strained broth over, ensuring that the vegetables and meat are well distributed.

7. Final cooling: Leave the bowls in the refrigerator for a few hours until the aspic sets. Before serving, remove the accumulated fat from the top.

8. Serving: Turn the aspic out onto large plates or a big platter. Garnish with strips of hock, freshly grated horseradish, and lemon slices. Smoked ham hock aspic can be served alongside garlic sauce and pickles, making a perfect combination to enhance the flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more aromatic aspic, you can add a few juniper berries during boiling.
- Experiment with different types of vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper, for a distinct taste.
- The aspic can also be made with fresh hock, but the flavor will be much more intense if you use smoked hock.

Nutrition:
Smoked ham hock aspic is an excellent source of protein due to the pork, and garlic provides additional benefits with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I store the aspic?
- The aspic can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or it can be frozen for later consumption.

3. Is the aspic suitable for vegans?
- This recipe is specific to carnivores, but vegetarian aspic recipes can be adapted using plant-based gelling agents and vegetables.

4. What drinks pair well with smoked ham hock aspic?
- A cold beer or a dry white wine are excellent choices that complement the intense flavors of the dish.

Smoked ham hock aspic is not just a simple dish but a true culinary experience that brings together traditions and unique flavors. By preparing this recipe, you will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!