Best Ham Hock Gumbo Recipes

HAM HOCK AND WILD GREEN GUMBO

Steps:

• In a large pot, combine the ham hocks, bay leaf, and water together. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook the ham hocks for 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove the hocks, remove the meat and chop. Reduce the heat to medium and add the greens, a handful at a time and blanch until they are wilted. Drain and reserve the liquid. Chop the greens. Set aside. In the same pot, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, saute the vegetables until they are wilted, about 10 minutes. Add the ham hock, greens, reserved liquid, and herbs. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1 1/2 hours. Add the file powder right before serving. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the gumbo in a shallow bowl and place a spoonful of the rice in the center. Garnish with green onions and Essence.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

HAM HOCK GUMBO

Steps:

• Combine the oil and flour in a large cast-iron or enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, over medium heat.
• Stirring slowly and constantly for 20 to 25 minutes, make a dark brown roux, the color of chocolate.
• Add the onions, celery, and bell peppers and continue to stir for 4 to 5 minutes, or until wilted.
• Add the cabbage and continue to saute for 2 minutes.
• Add the ham hocks, salt, cayenne, and bay leaves.
• Continue to stir for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the stock and Essence.
• Stir until the roux mixture and stock are well combined.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to low.
• Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 2 1/2 hours.
• Skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
• Continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the heat.
• Stir in the parsley, green onions, and file powder.
• Remove the bay leaves and ham hocks.
• Shred the meat from the hocks and place the meat back into the gumbo.
• Serve in deep bowls with the rice.