Smoked Ham Shanks Recipe
The Smoked Ham Shanks Recipe is a warm, comforting and savory dish full of rich smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 smoked ham shanks
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 4 cups water or broth
- Salt only if needed—ham is already salty
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop onions, carrots and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
Add Ingredients to Pot
- Place smoked ham shanks in a large pot.
- Add vegetables, bay leaf, thyme and pepper.
Pour in Liquid
- Add 4 cups of water or broth.
- Liquid should cover most of the shanks.
Cook Slowly
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
- Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat becomes tender.
- Turn shanks halfway through cooking.
Check Flavor
- Taste the broth.
- Add salt only if needed.
Serve
- Remove the shanks.
- Shred meat and serve with broth and vegetables.
Notes
- Use broth for deeper flavor.
- Don’t add salt early—ham shanks are naturally salty.
- Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes if you want a fuller meal.
- Simmer slowly for tender, juicy meat.
- Remove excess fat from broth for a cleaner taste.