Smoked ham on a bed of vegetables

Smoked ham hock on a bed of vegetables

If you are passionate about cooking and want to bring a touch of flavor and comfort to your plate, the recipe for smoked ham hock on a bed of vegetables is the perfect choice. This recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will transport you back in time, evoking memories of family dinners and warm moments. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the ham hock:
- 2 smoked pork hocks
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 celery root
- 1 carrot
- 1 beetroot
- 1 cauliflower (optional)
- Dried spices: mint, thyme, basil
- 50 ml olive oil
- 150-200 ml red wine
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 head of garlic

For the sauce (optional):
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice
- 1 can of roasted red peppers
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 dried or fresh chili pepper
- A few cracked or whole peppercorns

Short story:
The smoked ham hock on a bed of vegetables has deep roots in culinary tradition, serving to gather family around the table. Each ingredient added to this dish has a story and significance, being associated with festive moments and simple joys. I invite you to discover how tradition blends with innovation in every bite!

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the clay pot: Start by soaking the clay pot in water for 30 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the pot to absorb water, and the steam generated during cooking will help create a delicious and juicy meal.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and chop the vegetables. The potatoes, celery, carrot, and beetroot should be cut into large pieces, and the cauliflower can be divided into florets. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also a vibrant palette of colors to the dish.

3. Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix the vegetables with the olive oil and dried spices: mint, thyme, and basil. These aromatic herbs will give the dish an irresistible aroma. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste!

4. Assembling the dish: Place the seasoned vegetables at the bottom of the clay pot, then put the smoked hocks on top. Add 150-200 ml of red wine and a bit of water to help create steam. Cover the pot with its lid.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the clay pot in the oven and let it cook for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure that all the water has not evaporated.

6. Finishing the dish: Once the ham hock starts to cook well, remove the lid and let it brown for 10 minutes. Add the raw garlic, sliced, and let it bake for a few more minutes. The raw garlic brings a fresh and vibrant note to the dish, adding an unmistakable flavor.

7. Preparing the sauce: In a pan, add the canned tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Let them simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, the dried or fresh chili pepper, the pepper, and the chopped greens. Let the sauce reduce until it reaches the desired consistency.

8. Serving: Once the ham hock is cooked and the vegetables are tender, take the clay pot out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the ham hock warm on a platter, alongside the cooked vegetables, drizzled with the aromatic sauce. A suggestion for serving would be to add a fresh salad on the side for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have a clay pot, a ceramic dish or Dutch oven will work just as well.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few juniper berries or bay leaves to the pot.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a dry red wine that will highlight the intense flavors of the smoked meat.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 650 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

This recipe for smoked ham hock on a bed of vegetables is not only simple but also full of flavor and tradition. By experimenting with ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a truly unique meal. And remember, every meal cooked with love brings extra joy into our lives! Enjoy!