Delicious Ham Shank Recipes for Your Next Feast

If you're looking to elevate your dining experience, ham shanks are a delicious and hearty choice that promise to delight your taste buds. These flavorful cuts of meat, often overlooked in favor of other pork products, are perfect for slow cooking, infusing dishes with a rich depth of flavor. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply wish to try something different, these delicious ham shank recipes are sure to be the star of your next feast.

Braised Ham Shank with Root Vegetables

The secret to unlocking the full potential of a ham shank lies in slow braising. This method not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the vegetables and aromatics.

Ingredients

• 1 large ham shank
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for searing

Instructions

1. Prep the Ham Shank: Start by seasoning the ham shank liberally with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
2. Searing: Heat some olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the ham shank until it's nicely browned on all sides, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the onions, carrots, parsnips, and turnip. Cook until they start to caramelize, adding the garlic halfway through.
4. Braising: Pour in the chicken stock, red wine, and add the rosemary and thyme. Return the ham shank to the pot, submerging it into the liquid. Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 3 to 3.5 hours or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

🍴 Note: Allow the ham shank to rest before serving, which will make carving much easier.

Ham Shank and Bean Soup

A classic comfort food, this soup is rich and satisfying, especially during colder months. The ham shank adds a unique, savory touch to the traditional bean soup.

Ingredients

• 1 ham shank
• 2 cups of dried white beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups of water or chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Initial Cooking: Rinse the soaked beans and place them in a large pot with the ham shank, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and water or stock. Bring to a boil.
2. Simmering: Lower the heat, cover partially, and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the meat is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally.
3. Finishing: Remove the ham shank, shred the meat, discarding any fat or bones. Return the meat to the pot, season to taste, and remove the bay leaf.
4. Serving: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with crusty bread.

🍲 Note: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with more stock or water. Conversely, for a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans right in the pot.

Ham Shank Glazed with Honey and Mustard

For a more glamorous presentation, this honey mustard glazed ham shank brings a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the meat. This dish is a showstopper for any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 ham shank (already slow-cooked or smoked)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cloves. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Glaze the Ham: Place the ham shank in a roasting pan and brush generously with the glaze.
4. Roasting: Roast the ham in the oven for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes with the glaze to ensure a rich, caramelized exterior.
5. Resting and Serving: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before carving to retain juices.

🍯 Note: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet and spicy combination.

These ham shank recipes offer a delightful exploration of this underutilized cut. Each method highlights the versatility of ham shank, allowing it to shine in braised dishes, hearty soups, or as a centerpiece with a mouthwatering glaze. With these recipes, you're not only enhancing your culinary repertoire but also elevating your next feast to a memorable dining experience.

Can I use smoked ham shank for these recipes?

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Absolutely, smoked ham shanks can add an extra layer of flavor to the dishes. Just adjust the cooking time as they might need less time to become tender.

What should I do with leftover ham?

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Ham is quite versatile. You can use leftovers in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or incorporate it into a new dish like a creamy ham pasta or as a pizza topping.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

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Yes, all recipes are designed to be approachable for cooks of all levels. However, they do require attention to detail, especially with the braising and roasting times.