1. For the Stock:. 2. Put the ham hock or ham bone in a large heavy-bottomed stock pot. Heat on medium, flipping often, until the skin caramelizes (browns) on all sides. 3. Coarsely chunk the vegetables and add them to the pot. Stir for a few moments, or until the you can smell the aroma of the vegetables. 4. Add the bay leaf and peppercorns. 5. Fill the pot with cold clean water. Turn the heat up to medium high. 6. When the water boils, reduce the heat until you have a nice steady simmer. Simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until the broth is rich and flavourful. 7. Remove the hock; set aside. You can remove the meat from the bone and use in the soup, if you like. (makes for good mild baby food, or save for making pet treats) 8. Pour the stock through a mesh strainer lined with one ply of regular kitchen paper towel into a large shallow pan (roasting pans work well for this). Allow to cool (no more than 2 hours) and then refridgerate to completely cool. Your stock should have a jelly-like consistancy with a layer of fat on top which is easy to remove. Remove the fat. 9. For the Soup:. 10. Heat the olive oil on medium in a large, heavy bottomed soup pot. 11. Add onions, celery, and carrot. Saute until veggies are getting tender and onion starts to become translucent. Add garlic. 12. Carefully add the ham stock (reserve two cups), or the stock of your choice. Bring to a gentle boil. 13. Mix the flour with the reserve stock until smooth and lump free. With the stock in the pot at a gentle boil, add the flour mixture. Stir vigorously to incorporate. Reduce heat to a very gentle simmer. 14. Rinse the beans and add to the pot. 15. Add the tomato. You can add the liquid from the canned tomato for more soup volume, or drain and add just the tomato chunks to preserve a clearer broth. 16. Stir in the spices. Simmer for a while, taste, and adjust spices accordingly. 17. Serve and enjoy. (Tastes even better the next day). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nutrition
Ingredients
