If you’ve ever enjoyed a ham dinner, you might be wondering what to do with the leftover ham bone. Don’t toss it! Cooking a ham bone is a fantastic way to extract every bit of flavor and create hearty, comforting dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to cook a ham bone easily and share tips on turning it into delicious meals that your whole family will love.
Why Cook a Ham Bone?
A ham bone is packed with rich, smoky flavor that can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. When cooked slowly, the bone releases gelatin and savory taste, creating a flavorful broth that forms the base of many classic dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and get the most out of your ham.
How to Cook a Ham Bone: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Ham Bone
After enjoying your ham, remove as much meat as possible from the bone. Save the meat for other recipes or add it back into your soup later. If you’re not ready to cook the bone immediately, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze it for up to three months.
2. Simmer the Ham Bone for Broth
Place the ham bone in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook gently for about 60 to 90 minutes. This slow simmering extracts the flavors and creates a rich broth.
You can add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the pot to enhance the broth’s flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper, but be cautious as the ham bone itself can be quite salty.
3. Remove the Bone and Pick Off Meat
Once the broth is ready and the meat loosens from the bone, remove the bone from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Use a fork or your hands to pick off any tender meat remaining on the bone. Discard any excess fat or gristle.
4. Strain the Broth
Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids, leaving you with a clear, flavorful stock. This broth can be used immediately or refrigerated/frozen for later use.
What Can You Make with Cooked Ham Bone and Broth?
Ham and Potato Soup
One of the most popular uses for ham bone broth is ham and potato soup. Simply add diced potatoes, onions, and other vegetables to your ham broth and simmer until tender. Stir in the shredded ham meat you saved earlier for a comforting, hearty soup perfect for chilly days.
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Split pea soup is a classic dish that benefits greatly from ham bone broth. The smoky flavor from the ham bone complements the earthy peas, creating a thick and satisfying soup. Add carrots, celery, and herbs like thyme for extra depth.
Casseroles and Breakfast Dishes
Use the shredded ham meat from the bone in casseroles, omelets, or breakfast scrambles. The broth can also be used as a flavorful base for cooking grains or beans, adding a savory twist to your meals.
Tips for Cooking with Ham Bones
– Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, place the ham bone and water in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. This method yields a rich broth with minimal effort.
– Seasoning: Because ham bones can be salty, taste your broth before adding extra salt. You can always add more seasoning later.
– Storage: Ham bone broth can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for several months. Freeze in portions for easy use in future recipes.
– Use the Broth Creatively: Besides soups, use the broth to cook rice, beans, or even as a base for gravies and sauces.
Wrapping It Up
Cooking a ham bone is a simple way to create delicious, flavorful dishes while making the most of your leftovers. Whether you simmer it on the stove or use a slow cooker, the resulting broth and tender ham meat are perfect for soups, casseroles, and more. Next time you enjoy a ham dinner, save that bone-it’s a treasure trove of taste waiting to be unlocked!