WEST INDIES PEPPER POT SOUP

West Indies Pepper Pot Soup image

Provided by Kitchen Crew

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 lb salt pork
1.5 lb beef short ribs, 3" pieces
1.5 lb stew beef, in 2" cubes
12 c water
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
1.5 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 large onion, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 bunch green onions, including tops, chopped
2 Tbsp salad oil
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
10 oz spinach, fresh and trimmed
15.5 oz okra, drained
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed
1 large tomato, peeled and cubed

Steps:

1. Put salt pork and short rib pieces in a large kettle; brown ribs on all sides.
2. Add stew beef and brown on all sides.
3. Pour in water and slowly bring just to a boil; skim.
4. Add thyme, salt and pepper; lower heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour, occasionally removing any scum that rises to the top.
5. While meat is simmering, saute onion, garlic and scallions in heated oil in a skillet until tender; add green pepper and saute 1 minute.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. After meat has cooked 1 hour, add sauteed vegetables and other ingredients to the kettle; continue to cook slowly, covered, about 30 minutes, until vegetables and meat are cooked.
8. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
9. Take out short ribs and cut off and discard any fat; cube meat and return to kettle - Reheat, if necessary.