Mama'S Ham Hocks And Corn Dumplings
Hearty ham hocks and corn dumplings combine smoky, savory flavors with tender meat and fluffy cornmeal batter, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the ham hocks thoroughly.
- Place the ham hocks in a large pot or pressure cooker and cover with water.
- Cook until the ham hocks are tender.
- Remove the ham hocks from the broth and let them cool.
- Remove skin and fat from the ham hocks, leaving only the lean meat.
- Chop the ham into small pieces and set aside.
- Defat the broth by removing the fat layer or chilling until fat hardens and then removing it.
- Place the defatted broth on the stove and heat slowly to a boil.
- Prepare the corn dumplings by mixing cornmeal, buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking powder, soda, chopped onion, and pepper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the boiling broth and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding garlic and thyme to the broth while cooking the ham hocks. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust the consistency of the dumpling batter with additional cornmeal or buttermilk as needed for desired fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Ham Hocks and Corn Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Pancit Canton (Stir-Fry) for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ham hocks and corn dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the broth and dumplings on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Ham Hocks And Corn Dumplings contains roughly 168 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham hocks?
Yes, you can substitute ham hocks with smoked turkey legs or even chicken thighs for a lighter version. The broth will still be flavorful, but the taste will change slightly. Adjust seasoning accordingly to enhance the new meat's flavor.
How can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
To make gluten-free dumplings, replace regular cornmeal with certified gluten-free cornmeal. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and buttermilk, are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without gluten.
What can I do if the dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, try adding a bit more buttermilk to the batter to achieve a lighter consistency. Alternatively, you can also gently fold in some whipped egg whites before cooking to incorporate air and create fluffier dumplings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).