Oven Braised Ham Hock
Ham hocks have the reputations of being a more "peasant" style meat (as my son would say when he was a little boy!), but they have a really great flavor and when properly cooked, are super tender. This Oven Braised Ham Hock has juniper berries, cinnamon, and bay leaves to create an unexpected flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 3-pound ham hock or 4 individual serving size pieces
- 1 large onion sliced
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- ½ tablespoon juniper berries
- 2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup beef stock
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Generously season the ham hock(s) with seat salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the onion slices and the garlic cloves on the bottom of a braising dish or roasting pan. Place the ham hock(s) on top of them and drizzle a little olive oil over all of it. Pour the beef stock in the dish.
- Place the braising dish or roasting pan in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the skin is a little crispy. Remove from the oven and love the heat to 350°F.
- Add the bay leaves, juniper berries, and cinnamon sticks to the braising dish, cover, and place the braising dish back into the oven. Roast for 2-3 more hours, or until the meat is easily removed from the bone.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!