Gumbo Z'herbes

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons lard or shortening
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 pound ham, diced
2 pounds mixed greens (1/2 pound each spinach, collard greens, turnip greens and cabbage leaves)
2 quarts chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Cayenne and salt
Pinch ground thyme
Up to 1/4 cup file powder
Steamed rice, for serving
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Heat lard in a large soup pot, add onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ham and cook for 2 minutes. Add greens, a handful at a time, stirring them into fat until wilted before adding next bunch. Add stock, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, cayenne and thyme . Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Taste for seasoning -- greens should be tender and slightly spicy; add enough salt to enhance flavors. To thicken, have gumbo bubbling gently and stir in 1 tablespoon filé powder to start; add filé a little at a time until thickened; simmer 3 minutes more. Serve with steamed rice and green onions.

Yield: 6 to 8 Servings