Smoked Pork For Beer Braised Pork Knuckles

Our answer

Nigella's Beer-Braised Pork Knuckles with Caraway, Garlic, Apples and Potatoes (from KITCHEN) uses fresh pork knuckles. Pork knuckle is a cut of meat that is at the bottom of the shank, just above the ankle of the pig. It is also sometimes known as the hock.

We would prefer to use fresh pork knuckles as smoked knuckles are sometimes also cured and so are closer to a cooked ham. As the knuckles are braised in a small amount of liquid rather than simmered in a large pot of liquid, it means that the dish could end up being a little too salty. However if it is a fresh pork knuckle that has just been mildly smoked and not salted, then you could use it if you prefer the stronger flavour of a smoked knuckle.