West Indies Pepper Pot Soup

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound salt-cured pork shoulder, diced
• 3/4 pound salt-cured beef shoulder, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped
• 1 pound taro root, peeled and diced
• 4 quarts (1 gallon) chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound callaloo or collard greens, rinsed and chopped
• Salt

Directions

In a large stockpot, saute the pork and beef in the oil over high heat for 10 minutes, until brown. Add the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper; saute for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the scallions and saute for 3 minutes. Add the taro root and saute for 3 to 5 minutes more, until translucent. Add the chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, allspice, and ground pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook about 30 minutes, until the meat and taro root are tender. Stir in the callaloo. Reduce the heat and simmer about 5 minutes, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a tureen or divide among individual soup bowls.