10 ham hock recipes

White Michigan bean soup is a three-ingredient classic: white navy-style beans simmered slowly with a smoked ham hock, then partly mashed to thicken. Old-school, no-fuss comfort.

Split pea soup simmers dried split peas with a smoky ham hock, onion, salt, and pepper for 90 minutes until the peas collapse into a thick green broth and the meat falls off the bone.

French market soup simmers a medley of dried beans with a smoky ham hock until tender, then brightens the pot with tomatoes and a finishing splash of lemon. A hearty, economical bean soup made from a colorful bean mix.

Hearty smoked pork and bean soup built from ham hocks, dried pink beans, and beef stock with paprika and sauteed garlic. Partially pureed for a thick, velvety body. Serves 6.

Southern-style dried lima beans slow-simmered with smoked ham hock skin, bacon drippings, and a pinch of sugar until creamy and tender. Simple, smoky, old-fashioned comfort food.

A delicious cabbage soup made with chicken broth, ham hock and wine vinegar.

Belgian carbonnade braises beef chuck and smoked ham in dark beer with onions, carrots, and herbs, finished with scotch, vinegar, and toasted walnuts. Deep stew flavor in every spoonful.

This authentic French Canadian recipe is a classic belly warmer and perfect for a cold day. Split-pea soup with a ham bone, ham hock or salt pork. Make it a vegetarian split-pea soup by leaving out the ham bone and using vegetable stock instead of water.

Southern-style crowder peas simmered low and slow with ham hocks and Cajun seasoning until tender and smoky. Serve over rice or cornbread for a soul food staple.

Pressure cooker collard greens with butter beans, white wine, bay leaves, and fresh hot peppers. Southern comfort without the ham hock, ready in 30 minutes.