Vegetable stew

Delicious recipe for oven-smoked ham hock with vegetables

I present to you a savory recipe that combines the intense flavor of smoked ham hock with the delicate textures of vegetables, resulting in a tasty and comforting dish. This oven-baked ham hock with vegetables recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests at a special dinner. Let's start our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 smoked ham hock (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 3 medium onions
- 1 eggplant
- 1 zucchini
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- water (for boiling)

History of the dish:
Smoked ham hock is a traditional ingredient in many cultures, often used in winter dishes due to its intense flavor and how perfectly it pairs with vegetables. Whether it’s for festive meals or family gatherings, this dish always brings a touch of warmth and comfort.

Step by step:

1. Boiling the ham hock:
- In a large pot, add the cleaned smoked ham hock and cover it with cold water. Add a little salt to enhance the flavor.
- Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 1 hour. This step will help remove excess salt and make the meat more tender.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- While the ham hock is boiling, peel and slice the onions thinly. These will form a flavorful bed for the ham hock in the baking dish.
- Cut the eggplant and zucchini into medium-sized cubes. These vegetables will add color and nutrients to the dish.

3. Assembling the dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a heat-resistant dish, add the sliced onion. Place the boiled ham hock on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add a few sprigs of fresh thyme for extra flavor.
- Place the dish in the oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the ham hock to brown and develop a delicious crust.

4. Adding the vegetables:
- After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add the cubes of eggplant and zucchini.
- Before adding them, sprinkle with salt, rinse to remove excess salt, and dry with a kitchen towel. This will help maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- Add 5 tablespoons of the water in which the ham hock was boiled, to keep the dish moist.
- Put the dish back in the oven and let it bake for another 40 minutes.

5. Serving:
- Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it even juicier.
- Serve the ham hock with the vegetables on the side, perhaps with a fresh salad or a side of mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Helpful tips:
- Smoked ham hock can vary in saltiness, so adjust the amount of salt used according to taste.
- Experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to diversify the dish.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add crushed garlic to the vegetable mix.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh ham hock instead of smoked? Yes, but you will need to add extra spices to achieve a deeper flavor.
- How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g

This recipe for smoked ham hock with vegetables is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for a protein-rich and nutrient-dense meal. It will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!