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Ham Stock

This homemade ham stock is a versatile and deeply savoury base that brings a wonderful depth of flavour to your kitchen. By gently simmering smoked ham hocks with classic aromatics like carrot, celery, and thyme, you create a rich, smoky liquid that far surpasses shop-bought alternatives. The inclusion of the shredded meat ensures nothing goes to waste, providing a protein-rich foundation for your favourite recipes.

A brilliant choice for those following a diabetes-friendly diet, this stock is naturally low in sugar and packed with hearty flavour. It serves as an excellent starting point for a traditional pea and ham soup or can be used to braise seasonal vegetables and pulses. Preparing a large batch is a simple way to stock your freezer with a healthy, comforting ingredient for quick midweek meals.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Ham Stock

  • 1.1kg meaty smoked ham shanks or ham hocks

  • 1.9L cold water

  • 1 large onion, chopped (250g )

  • 2 carrots, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • 2 celery ribs, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • 3 large garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled

  • 3 whole cloves

  • 1/4 teaspoons black peppercorns

How to make Ham Stock

Combine ham shanks and cold water in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot and bring to a boil, skimming any foam. Add remaining ingredients and simmer, partially covered, until shanks are tender, about 2 hours. Pour stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large metal bowl, reserving shanks and discarding remaining solids.

Discard skin and bones from shanks. Trim and coarsely shred meat, then return to stock.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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