Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. ham hocks
  • 16 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1 lb. Portuguese sausage, sliced
  • 1 carrot, quartered
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • cornstarch (for thickening)

Method

  • Cover ham hocks with water and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer until meat is tender and begins to fall off bones.
  • Take out bones and remove any remaining meat to return to pot.
  • Add tomato sauce, potatoes, sausage, carrots, onion, celery and macaroni.
  • Simmer until potatoes and macaroni are almost done.
  • Add cornstarch to thicken. Season with salt and pepper. Add kidney beans and simmer for 5 minutes more.
  • Serves 6 hungry adults.