How to use ham bones: Ideas to get the most out of them

If you have a ham at home, you have surely already enjoyed its slices and the unique flavor it brings to your meals.

But did you know that the ham bone is also a culinary gem? Instead of throwing it away, you can use the ham bone in many ways, adding an unmatched flavor to your dishes.

Why should you use ham bones?

Don't underestimate the value of the ham bone. Although at first glance it seems that it no longer has much to offer, it contains traces of meat and fat that release all their flavor when cooked over low heat.

Using ham bones is not only a sustainable practice, but also a way to add depth to your homemade recipes, especially in broths and stews.

Practical ways to use ham bones

Here are some ideas for using ham bones in your daily cooking:

Homemade broth with intense flavor

The most common use of ham bones is in broths. By simmering the bone, it will release all its flavor, resulting in a flavorful and nuanced broth.

You can use this broth as a base for soups, stews or even to cook rice. You will only need to add water, some vegetables such as onion, carrot and leek, and let time do its magic.

Stews and legumes with ham bone

Traditional dishes such as chickpea or lentil stews gain a lot of flavour if you include a ham bone . The fat and the remains of meat from the bone are integrated into the stew, providing a richer texture and a natural salty touch.

Plus, it's a perfect way to take advantage of all your resources!

Sauces and stocks for meats

If you love roasts, you can use the ham bone to prepare a sauce or stock to accompany your meats. By adding the bone to a pot with wine, herbs and spices, you will get a thick and tasty sauce that will enhance any meat dish.

Ham bone to enrich rice dishes

Rice, whether risotto or paella, can also benefit from using the ham bone . Simply add a piece of the bone during cooking to obtain a deeper, more aromatic flavour that will transform your dish.

Tips for preserving ham bones

If you don't plan on using the bone right away, it's best to store the ham bone properly. To prevent it from drying out, we recommend wrapping it in cling film and storing it in the freezer.

This way, you can use it whenever you need it without losing its properties.

Frequently asked questions about the use of ham bones

How long can I store ham bones?
If you store it properly in the freezer, the ham bone can stay in good condition for several months. This way, you will always have it on hand to add a special touch to your recipes.

Is it necessary to clean the bone before using it?
It is not necessary to clean it thoroughly, but you can remove the most visible traces of fat if you prefer a less intense flavour. In any case, part of the charm of the ham bone is precisely that fat that melts and adds flavour to your dishes.

Can I reuse the ham bone several times?
Yes, you can use the bone in several preparations. However, with each use the bone will lose some of its flavor, so it is recommended to use it a maximum of two or three times before throwing it away.

Using the ham bone is an excellent way to get the most out of every part of this exquisite product. Whether to enrich broths, rice dishes or stews, the bone provides an unrivalled flavour that will make you wonder why you hadn't done it before.