Creamy Ham Hock & Sweet Potato Celery Delight
Warm up your winter nights with this hearty and flavorful soup that brings together rich ham hock, sweet potato, and vibrant celery. This recipe not only offers an explosion of taste but is also budget-friendly and easy to prepare in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or family gatherings. As you simmer the ingredients, the rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a creamy consistency that will make your taste buds sing. The soup is gluten and lactose-free, boasting a low glycemic index, perfect for those watching their dietary intake. It freezes wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal on busy days. Serve it generously in big bowls alongside warm wholemeal bread rolls for a comforting and satisfying meal. With this recipe, you'll have ample servings to feed a crowd or save some for later, proving that cooking good food can also be an economical endeavor!
8-16 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Yellow onions
2 large (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 large (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Ham hocks or Bacon bones
1 kg (Skin and fat removed, meat roughly chopped)
Bay leaves
10 (Whole)
Dried sage
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Mixed dried herbs
1 teaspoon (Ground (tarragon, basil, parsley etc.))
Hot water
3 liters (Boiling)
Celery
1 bunch (Chopped, hard core discarded)
Sweet potato
1 kg (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Salt
4 teaspoons (To taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
4 teaspoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan (approximately 4 liters), melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2
Sprinkle in the dried sage, oregano, and mixed herbs, continuing to sauté for a few more minutes to enhance the flavors.
3
Carefully remove the meat from the ham hock or bacon bones, discarding the skin and fat. Roughly chop the meat and add it back to the pan along with the bones.
4
Increase the heat slightly and allow the meat and onions to brown lightly, stirring occasionally. Once browned, pour in the hot water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5
Add the chopped celery and sweet potato to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After simmering, season the soup with fresh ground black pepper, and add salt to taste, being cautious due to the inherent saltiness of the ham and bacon.
8
If the soup appears too thick, add a little extra water to reach your desired consistency.
9
Once ready, allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham Hock & Sweet Potato Celery Delight?
It is a hearty winter soup made with rich ham hocks, sweet potatoes, and celery, designed to be budget-friendly and easy to prepare in large batches.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is this recipe lactose-free?
Yes, according to the recipe description, this soup is lactose-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is quite generous, yielding between 8 to 16 servings depending on bowl size.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this recipe freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and future meals.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should be simmered on low heat for approximately 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
What kind of meat should I use?
You can use 1 kg of either ham hocks or bacon bones for this recipe.
Do I keep the skin and fat on the ham hock?
No, you should remove and discard the skin and fat, using only the meat and the bones for the soup.
Is this a low glycemic index meal?
Yes, this soup boasts a low glycemic index (GI), which is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.
What size pot do I need?
A large saucepan or pot with a capacity of approximately 4 liters is recommended.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The main vegetables are yellow onions, garlic cloves, a full bunch of celery, and 1 kg of sweet potatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for bay leaves, dried sage, dried oregano, and mixed dried herbs like tarragon, basil, and parsley.
Should I use hot or cold water?
The instructions specify using 3 liters of boiling hot water to help scrape up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
How should I prepare the celery?
The celery should be chopped, and the hard core should be discarded before adding it to the pot.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the sweet potatoes should be peeled and roughly chopped for the best texture.
Why should I be cautious with adding salt?
Ham hocks and bacon bones are inherently salty, so it is best to taste the soup after simmering before adding additional salt.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick after simmering, you can add a little extra water to reach your desired preference.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served in large bowls with warm wholemeal bread rolls on the side.
How do I prepare the onions and garlic?
Both the onions and garlic should be peeled and roughly chopped, then sautéed in butter until translucent.
Can I substitute the butter?
While the recipe calls for butter, you could use a dairy-free alternative if you are strictly avoiding all dairy products, though the recipe notes it is already lactose-free.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
Do I leave the bones in the soup while it cooks?
Yes, after removing the meat from the bones, add both the meat and the bones back into the pan to simmer for flavor.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe uses 10 whole bay leaves.
What color onions are used?
The recipe specifies using 2 large yellow onions.
Does the soup require fresh herbs?
The recipe primarily uses dried herbs (sage, oregano, and mixed herbs) for convenience and concentrated flavor.
How much sweet potato is needed?
You will need 1 kg of sweet potatoes.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as an economical endeavor that is great for feeding a crowd.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer once cooled.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Fresh ground black pepper is recommended for seasoning.
Is it okay to sauté the meat with the onions?
Yes, the instructions suggest browning the meat and onions together slightly to enhance the flavor before adding water.