This smoked ham hock soup is big on flavor and low on effort.

This smoked ham hock soup is big on flavor but low on effort.

(Find ham hocks in the meat department at the grocery store.)

creamy potato and ham hock slow cooker soup

Credit:Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

With chunky pieces of potato and chopped ham hock, thissoupis a filling entree option.

Fresh chopped chives give extra color with the hot sauce on top.

Cover and cook on HIGH until potatoes are tender, 4 hours.

Remove ham hocks:

Remove ham hocks, and place on a plate to cool 15 minutes.

Add cream, and stir.

Remove the center piece on the blender’s lid to allow steam to escape.

Secure lid on the blender, and cover opening with a towel; process until smooth.

Return pureed potato soup to the slow cooker.

Add meat to soup, and stir to combine.