When preparing country ham, it can be tempting to discard the skin and fat. But these flavorful pieces can be used in several ways to add rich, savory flavor to soups, beans, vegetables, stocks, and other Southern dishes.
Country ham is cured and aged, which gives both the meat and fat its distinctive salty, savory flavor. Instead of throwing away the skin and fat, you can render it, turn it into crispy cracklings, or use it to season your favorite recipes.
Here are a few simple ways to make the most of country ham skin and fat.
Here are some unique ways to elevate your dishes with country ham skin and fat:
Render Country Ham Fat for Cooking
One of the easiest ways to use country ham fat is to render it.
Rendering slowly melts the fat so you can separate the liquid cooking fat from the crispy pieces left behind. The rendered fat can then be used much like other cooking fats to add extra flavor to savory dishes.
Try using rendered country ham fat to sauté:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Greens
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
It also makes a flavorful base for soups, stews, and pots of beans.
For even more flavor, you can render the fat with aromatics such as garlic, thyme, or bay leaves.
Make Crispy Country Ham Cracklings
When country ham skin and fat are cooked until crisp, the crunchy pieces can be enjoyed as cracklings.
Country ham cracklings add both texture and salty, savory flavor to a variety of dishes. Try using them as a topping for:
- Salads
- Soups
- Beans
- Cooked greens
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
You can also enjoy them on their own as a crispy snack or use them anywhere you would normally add bacon or another savory topping.
Add Country Ham Skin and Fat to Beans
Country ham and beans are a classic pairing for a reason.
Adding a small amount of country ham skin or fat to a pot of beans while they cook can infuse the dish with additional richness and savory flavor.
This works especially well with pinto beans, white beans, black-eyed peas, and other slow-cooked Southern favorites.
Simply add a piece of ham skin or fat while the beans simmer, then remove it before serving if desired.
Use Country Ham Skin in Soups and Stews
Country ham skin can also be used to add flavor to soups and stews.
As it simmers, the ham skin releases savory flavor into the cooking liquid, making it an easy addition to recipes such as vegetable soup, bean soup, collard greens, or hearty stews.
Because country ham is naturally salty, taste your dish before adding additional salt.
Make a Flavorful Country Ham Stock
Country ham skin and fat can also be used when making homemade stock.
Add a few pieces to your stockpot along with vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients. As the stock simmers, the country ham contributes additional richness and depth of flavor.
The finished stock can then be used for:
- Soups
- Stews
- Beans
- Sauces
- Gravies
- Cooking vegetables or grains
It’s an easy way to get more use from every part of the ham.
Get More Flavor From Your Country Ham
Country ham skin and fat don’t have to go to waste. Rendering the fat, making cracklings, seasoning beans, or adding the pieces to soups and stocks can help you bring even more traditional country ham flavor into your cooking.
At Hobe’s Country Ham, we package our country ham skin and fat separately so you can experiment with these versatile ingredients at home. Whether you’re preparing a pot of beans, a homemade stock, or a classic Southern side dish, a little country ham can add plenty of savory flavor.
