Ingredients

  • 1 ham bone
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 strip thyme
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 (16 ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato puree
  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen lima beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 3 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 yukon gold potatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups corn kernels
  • 1/4 lb okra, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (optional)

Method

  • Put 6 cups water, ham bone, thyme, and bay leaves in large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
  • Add tomatoes, puree, lima beans, onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 30 minutes, until beans are just tender.
  • Then add remaining vegetables. Cook 30 minutes more till vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves and thyme. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Enjoy with biscuits or cornbread.