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

# Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup with Aromatic Herbs and Dried Tomatoes: A Hearty, Flavorful Delight

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, savory goodness of a **Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup**. This hearty soup is packed with tender pork, aromatic herbs, and the deep umami flavor of dried tomatoes. The slow cooking process brings all the flavors together into a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for cold weather or any time you’re craving a satisfying, wholesome meal.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to set it and forget it, while the slow cooker works its magic. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into what makes this **Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup** so special and how you can make it at home.

## Why This Soup is a Must-Try

### 1. **Rich, Savory Flavor**
The pork ham hock is the star of this dish. When slow-cooked, it becomes tender and falls apart, infusing the soup with a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to beat. The smoky, meaty goodness of the hock adds layers of richness to the broth, making it incredibly satisfying with every spoonful.

### 2. **Aromatic Herbs for Depth**
A combination of fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, brings an aromatic fragrance that complements the pork perfectly. These herbs provide a subtle yet distinctive flavor profile, enhancing the broth and making each bite feel more like a cozy hug. Adding a bay leaf or two also contributes to the soup’s savory depth.

### 3. **Dried Tomatoes for Intensity**
Dried tomatoes are a secret ingredient that truly elevates this soup. Their concentrated flavor adds a burst of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the pork, creating a perfect harmony of tastes. They also provide an earthy, umami kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.

### 4. **Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor**
This soup is packed with basic ingredients—pork ham hocks, vegetables, dried tomatoes, and herbs—but the magic happens when everything is slow-cooked together. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring every ingredient shines in the final dish.

### 5. **Comforting and Hearty**
This soup is not just flavorful but also incredibly hearty. The pork is tender and falls apart easily, while the vegetables provide texture and substance. The broth is rich and full-bodied, making it a comforting meal that satisfies your hunger and warms you from the inside out.

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## The Recipe: Slow-Cooked Pork Ham Hock Soup with Aromatic Herbs and Dried Tomatoes

Here’s how you can make this incredibly flavorful and hearty soup at home. With minimal effort and a few hours of cooking, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day.

**Ingredients:**
– 2 pork ham hocks (about 1.5-2 lbs total)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup dried tomatoes (sun-dried or any variety you prefer), chopped if large
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
– 1-2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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