COLLARD GREEN SOUP

This is an old (1980s) recipe from Florida.

2 ham hocks

2 quarts water

1 cup great northern beans (soaked overnight and drained)

1 lb Chorizo sausage

1 lb bacon, diced

1 large onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 pkg (12-oz) frozen, chopped collard greens

salt and pepper, to taste

Boil the ham hocks in the water for 1 hour. Add the soaked beans to the pot and simmer until tender, about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, sauté the sausage, drain and set aside. Wipe out frying pan, then sauté the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, fry garlic and onion in the bacon drippings. When the beans are nearly cooked, add the sauteed bacon, sausage, onion and garlic to the pot.

Cook the collard greens in a small amount of boiling water for 15 minutes or follow the package directions. Add to the soup and season with the salt and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

file photo for reference only - not this exact recipe