Collard Greens Soup

Smoked or unsmoked, ham hocks can be purchased at most meat counters.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) ham hock*
2 (32-ounce) containers chicken broth
2 bacon slices, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/3 cup diced onion
2 celery ribs, diced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
2 (16-ounce) packages fresh collard greens, chopped
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Directions:

1. Bring ham hock and broth to a boil in a Dutch oven; partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
2. Cook bacon in hot oil in a medium skillet until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery in drippings 5 minutes or until tender; add bacon.
4. Stir together flour and 1/2 cup water until smooth. Stir into bacon mixture. Stir bacon mixture and collard greens into broth mixture. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour or until collards are tender.
5. Remove ham hock; cool slightly. Remove meat from bone, discarding bone; dice meat, and return to soup.
6. Stir in whipping cream and remaining ingredients.

Makes 15 cups.

*8 ounces smoked turkey wings, turkey sausage, or kielbasa may be substituted.