Gumbo Z'herbes

Ingredients

• 1 (2-pound) bunch mustard greens, cleaned
• 1 pound fresh spinach, cleaned
• 1 (1/2-pound) bunch watercress, cleaned
• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1/4 pound ham hock, rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion tops
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Dash of hot sauce

Preparation

1. Place thoroughly washed greens on cutting board; using a sharp knife, cut greens into bite-size pieces. Place greens, shredded cabbage, and water in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove greens mixture from Dutch oven and drain, reserving liquid. Set aside.
2. Melt shortening in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add ham hock, and cook until browned. Remove ham hock; set aside. Add greens mixture, onion, green onion tops, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme; cook over medium heat 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
3. Add reserved ham hock and reserved liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
4. Combine remaining flour and a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. Stir into greens mixture, and cook 1 minute.