Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup with Aromatic Herbs and Dried Tomatoes

### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
Begin by chopping all your vegetables—onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes (if using). Set them aside for easy access.

2. **Sear the Ham Hocks:**
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork ham hocks generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the ham hocks to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step will help deepen the flavor of the pork and give the broth a richer taste.

3. **Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:**
Transfer the seared ham hocks to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes (if using). Stir in the dried tomatoes, fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged.

4. **Slow Cook:**
Cover the slow cooker and set it to **low** for 6-8 hours or **high** for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the pork will be. After the cooking time, the pork should be fork-tender and easy to shred.

5. **Shred the Pork:**
Once the pork is tender, remove the ham hocks from the slow cooker. Use a fork to shred the meat off the bone, discarding any fat or bone. Return the shredded pork to the soup and stir to combine.

6. **Adjust Seasonings:**
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or a touch of lemon juice if you want a little acidity to balance the richness. Remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs.

7. **Serve:**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. The soup is now ready to enjoy!

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## Tips for Making the Perfect Pork Ham Hock Soup

### 1. **Use Quality Broth:**
The broth is a key element in this soup, so using a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth will make a noticeable difference in the flavor. If you have homemade broth on hand, even better!

### 2. **Substitute Vegetables:**
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have available. Leeks, parsnips, or even turnips can add extra depth to the soup. If you have any greens like kale or spinach, you can stir them in during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.

### 3. **Thicken the Soup:**
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the vegetables in the slow cooker, or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. This will give the soup a creamier texture without the need for any added dairy.

### 4. **Make It Ahead:**
This soup actually gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes wonderfully, so feel free to freeze individual portions for a quick meal later.

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## Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup

This **Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup** is the ultimate combination of flavor, comfort, and convenience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the tender pork and aromatic herbs make every spoonful a savory delight. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger.

It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s one that’s sure to become a favorite in your regular meal rotation. With its hearty, satisfying ingredients and rich, savory flavor, this soup is the definition of comfort food at its finest.

So the next time you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal, fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this **Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup** fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. Enjoy!