Substitution for Hambone

[Curleytop]

I want to make split pea or lentil soup, BUT I DON'T HAVE A HAM BONE! I called Honeybaked Ham, and they will sell a bone for $4 to $5! That is too expensive. Any suggestions, please!!!

[Kelli Kerrigan]

A lot of times I make bean soup, especially split pea, reusing the cooking liquid I get when boiling a corned beef or smoked butt. (I know the last one may be strange sounding for some.) The water takes on a lovely taste and I just strain it and use it as stock.
I also know that The Spice House (and probably Penzy's) sells ham stock. You may consider that too.
Or how about buying a ham steak and using that cut up into a tiny dice? I'm sure the flavor would still be there.

[sneezles]

In the grocery store you should be able to find smoked ham hocks (or it might say pork hocks) and it runs about $1.40 a pound (where I live anyway). If you can't find that you can use salt pork or cured bacon.

[Vanessa]

When I am out of ham bone I use ham steak diced. I also use Goya pork flavor (comes in envelopes). You could also ask in your supermarket if they have any ham bones available.

[ewatkins]

My big grocery store had smoked ham hocks in the freezer , 2 for about $1.40. I had to ask in the meat dept. but there they were.

[Leslie w]

I don't liked smoked meats but I ask my butcher at the supermarket for a regular ham bone and he always seems to have one. The Honeybaked Ham ham bone is a little pricey but it does have a lot of meat on it. And I just loove their hams.

[rolling pin]

I like to use a turkey neck when cooking soups or greens. It seems healthier to me than ham hocks, etc.