Tender Ham Hocks with Sweet Potatoes — A Southern Comfort Classic
Ham Hocks and Sweet Potatoes is a timeless Southern comfort dish that pairs smoky ham hocks with naturally sweet potatoes in a simple, slow-simmered broth. The rich flavor of the ham infuses the potatoes as they cook, creating a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe celebrates the Southern tradition of making flavorful family meals from a handful of wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ham hocks
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 sweet potatoes (quartered)
Serves: 4–6
Instructions
- Place the ham hocks in a large pot and cover them completely with water.
- Add the salt and pepper, then bring the pot to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the meat begins to pull away from the bone.
- Add the quartered sweet potatoes to the pot.
- Continue simmering for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the ham is fully cooked.
- Serve the ham hocks with the sweet potatoes and spoon some of the flavorful cooking broth over the top.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- Slow simmering allows the smoky flavor of the ham hocks to infuse the sweet potatoes.
- Serve with cornbread, collard greens, or black-eyed peas for a traditional Southern meal.
- Leave the sweet potatoes in large quarters, so they hold their shape during cooking.
- The leftover broth makes an excellent base for soups or beans.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
