Ham hock soup

Ham hock soup is a hearty, savory stew centered around a cured or smoked pork knuckle, which is slow-simmered to tenderize the meat and create a rich, flavorful broth. Common ingredients include the ham hock itself, aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and often beans, lentils, or root vegetables such as potatoes. This dish is a staple of comfort food in many cuisines, particularly in German, British, and American Southern cooking.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is typically high in protein and fat due to the pork, with a moderate calorie count that can range from 300 to 500 calories per serving, depending on added ingredients like beans or potatoes. It provides key nutrients such as iron, zinc, B vitamins, and collagen from the slow-cooked bone and connective tissue.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	950 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Iron	2.2 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	6 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, ham hock soup is a classic example of 'nose-to-tail' eating, utilizing a less tender cut that transforms into a succulent dish through slow cooking. Nutritionally, the long simmering process extracts minerals and gelatin from the bone, making it a traditional restorative broth valued for supporting joint and gut health.