Ham hocks

Ham hocks are pork legs, cut at the ankle joint then typically smoked or cured. The ham hock is cut from the lower rear leg, as opposed to the smoked pork hock which is cut from the from lower meaty part of the front leg.  Ham hocks can be found fresh as well as smoked. Ham hocks are an excellent additions to beans, soups and stews. This ham is frequently paired with collard greens.

Where To Buy Ham Hocks

This common pork cut can be found in the meat section of most grocery stores.

If you don't have ham hocks you can substitute smoked pork shank which is usually meatier. If you don't wish to eat pork, Emeril suggests substituting smoked turkey legs. Otherwise you can substitute equal amounts of smoked ham
OR Smoked sausage
OR Smoked bacon